The Golan Heights

A place of conflict that covers an area of 1800 sq kilometers. During the Israelite conquest the heights were part of the tribal allotment of Menasseh. Occupied by later invading powers, it was recaptured by the Hamoneans in the 1st century B. C. E. The Jewish population participated in the revolt againts the Romans paying a heavy price for doing so. After the destruction of the 2nd Temple in 70 C. E. many Jews continued to live on the Golan heights until the end of the Byzantine period in 638 C. E. Ethnically cleansed of Jews during the early Arab period (638-1099 C. E) it remained desolate & sparsley populated by Bedouin's. After WW1 it was included in the French mandate of Syria. The Syrians occupied the heights until their recapture in the the 1967 six day war. During the 1973 Yom Kippur war the heights had to be defended againts attempted Syrian incursions. Today the heights are home to 40 000 people, half of whom are Jews & the remaining half comprising of Druze & a small Alawite community.

Start Point: Port shuttle pick up point within Haifa city or hotel in Haifa. PEACE VISTA : Scenic view from the Golan Heights overlooking the Sea of Galilee. GAMLA : Scene of a conflict between Jews and Romans & often refered to as the Masada of the north because thousands of Jews lept to their deaths rather than being enslaved by the Romans. The site is also a home & haven to a colony of Griffon vultures. LUNCH - Golan Heights VALLEY OF TEARS : The location of a famous tank battle which took place during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. With 160 tanks & 60 artillery pieces, Israel repulsed a Syrian force of 1500 tanks & 1000 artillery pieces. End Point: Port shuttle collection point within Haifa city or hotel in Haifa.