Sashita's ISRAEL Blog

Hiking the explosive Golan Heights | October 24, 2009

Last weekend we went on an two day hiking trip to the Golan Heights.

A little history:

The Golan Heights remains a highly contested area of land on the border of Syria and Israel. Two-thirds of the area is currently governed by Israel. Most international organizations and large powers (including U.S.) consider the Golan Heights to be territory occupied by Israel and not part of Israel proper. Israel has controlled most of the Golan since the Six Day War in 1967. The outcome of the 6 Day War between Arab Nations and Israel is just one of the many examples of divergent narratives in the area. In this war, Israel struck first. Therefore, Syria argues that Israel was (and is) a clear aggressor. Israel, on the other hand, claims that the strike was preemptive, as an Arab attack was inevitable. In any event, the Golan Heights, whether ‘occupied’ or ‘rightfully annexed’, serve as a vital strategic barrier between Israel and Syria. The area also provides a rich terrain for long and difficult hikes.

We hiked 7 hours, two days in a row, slept in the open air, bathed in mountain waterfalls and brewed thick Arabic coffee on the fire.

  It was nearly 50 degrees C =120 degrees F  Rare pools of water Swimming in natural pool: COLD! Everywhere, there are still landmines left over from the 6 Day war. They are barb-wired off. Israel claims that the Syrian army planted the bombs. Syrians claim that Israel did.  40 hikers cooking dinner. MEAT! Hand making and ‘grilling’ pita bread This rock fell onto the branches of the tree, and over the decades, as the tree grew, the rock was literally lifted off the ground.  Hikers’ ART. The bubble gum memorial!