Page 16 - Discover Israel Magazine - UKA Edition 2023

Ron Peled

Despite its modest size, the State of Israel all sun-drenched until daylight sets across the To the north of the Golan Heights lies Mount
is blessed with a magnitude of vibrant Mediterranean Sea. And, for foodies, these Hermon, mentioned in the Bible — the high-
geographical areas that transition in climate cities’ restaurants serve a scope of cuisine for est place in Israel. Here, a birdseye view pro-
and landscape seasonally, all within a relatively every taste. vides a snapshot of the border triangle be-
short driving distance between one another. tween Israel, Lebanon to the north, and Syria
Golan Heights and Hermon to the east. And Mount Hermon, offering the
Snow, desert, volcanoes, craters, and other The Golan Heights, resting in the northeast of
natural phenomena blend with sacredness, Israel, has been inhabited by humans since only ski resort in Israel, is open to the public
reflecting the colors of the seasons and the the Upper Paleolithic period (50,000-12,000 during the winter season.
weather in the air. BP). Although longer active, today’s remains
of the Golan Heights volcanic field serve as a The Hermon Reserve contains the unique lo-
The Coastal Plain popular tourist attraction in the north. cal endemic plants that bloom during spring,
The coastal plain is where the majority of
Israel's population is concentrated, stretching In addition to natural sites full of gushing attracting people to the site just about year-
around 196km of glorous Mediterranean Sea streams and breathtaking waterfalls, round.
shore and forming the western border of interspersed with fascinating historical sites,
Israel. At the north, it borders with Lebanon, the Golan Heights is covered in a blanket of Upper and Lower Galilee, and Everything
and to the south, the Gaza Strip and Egypt. white during winter days and draws locals and in Between
tourists alike as a center for recreation, hiking, The Galilee lies in the north of the country
Major tourist cities like Tel Aviv, Haifa, and and, of course, for photographs against a as is distinctive for its favorable weather no
Netanya, alongside cities brimming with historical background of snowy peaks. The region also matter the time of year. It’s haracterized by
pasts — Ashkelon, Ashdod, Caesarea, and blossoms in the spring with incredible views mountains flowing with forests, greenery,
Acre — are packed with visitors from all around spanning as far as the Sea of Galilee and and its abundance of Mediterranean veg-
the world. This region is full of beach-goers and Syria. Eager bird watchers can spot eagle etation — and where settlements of Jews,
a background of awash with surfers, boats, and nests along with birds of prey, roe deer, and Muslims, Druze, Christians, and Circassians
a scattering of well-equipped sporting facilities, other wild animals. live in coexistence. As a region, its culinary

A countr y of colors

C a p t u r i n g t h e E s s e n c e o f I s r a e l

Wadi Qelt in the Judean Desert. Photo:
Ron Peled. On left: A Tel Aviv beach on the
Mediterranean Sea. Photo: Shutterstock

DISCOVER ISRAEL 16