Multiculturalism in the Western Galilee

A touch away from the village of Tarshiha and the city of Ma’alot you will find Lake Monfort, a perfect combination between natural and artificial. One can spot a number of swans who have quite happily made the lake their home. A walking path encircles the lake, providing a pleasant walk around the lake including the new JNF-USA waterfall promenade. Paddle boats can be rented out. You can also visit an ice-skating rink on- site, Karting and an Extreme Climbing Park.

A quaint village with winding cobbled lanes, historic stone homes, and picturesque plants and flowers in the many gardens. The historic village is perched on a hilltop at an elevation of 600 meters above sea level with gorgeous views and has a fascinating history and a population of Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Druze.

Walied is a resident of Fassuta village who at age 40 developed an interest in iron. After finishing a short course on the subject, he began working iron and, not long after, won first place in a metal sculpting contest in England. Since then, he has received several awards in England and Italy, where his works are on display in different museums. At Walied’s gallery in Fassuta you can hear his story, see a variety of ironworks and furniture he makes and also watch a demonstration of his blacksmithing skills.

Edna and Eyal Hefer’s farm (Meshek Hefer) at Abirim is right in the middle of a natural grove with vast wild landscapes and beautiful roads leading to Kziv stream. On the farm there’s a goat pen, horses, camping space and two cabins, Rangers to ride, hammocks and a self-checkout refrigerator stocked with home-made goat cheese from Edna’s Cheeses dairy, made by Edna. Come visit the farm or schedule a horse ride, group workshop, Ranger ride or overnight stay – advance booking required.

As you drive through the small Druze village Hurfeish you will find statues along the way including the statue of Sultan al-Atrash a prominent Druze leader on his horse. The main road has sambusak (savory pastry) sellers and if you enter the old part of the village look out for the special women project Rokmot Hatahara (The Lace Embroiders) maintaining traditional art and a source of income for the local women.

The peak of the highest mountain in the Galilee, is surrounds by a path that serves as its crown. An abundance of Mediterranean vegetation is found along the trail and wonderful views open to the landscape below. The trip becomes much more special if you catch Mount Meron on a good day (and there are quite a few), with its head above the clouds.