Time to redirect pressure on Hamas instead of Israel to save remaining hostages
By Jonathan Feldstein
It has been 459 days since the October 7, 2023, inhuman massacre of 1200 people in Israel by Hamas terrorists, and kidnapping of 251 people, 100 of whom are still being held in captivity in Gaza. 459 days of unimaginable terror, pain, abuse, loss, grief, and suffering, especially for those most directly impacted. All of Israel has been experiencing trauma since, something that I describe as Present Traumatic Stress Disorder. For most of us, Post Trauma is still far off.
More than 250 people were taken hostage in Hamas’s surprise and murderous attack in 2023.
Today a step towards a deal may have been taken. A list of 34 hostages to be released as part of a proposed deal with Hamas has been published in the BBC and a Saudi paper, with claims that this is the list Israel has insisted on as the first hostages to be released as part of a “deal” that is in the works. There are claims that Hamas has approved the list. It is unclear if this is true or accurate, and it is unclear from the list who is dead and who is alive. It is noteworthy that if true, this is the first list of hostages that Hamas from all the hostages in captivity for 458 days that the terror group has ever released. That alone is inhuman.
The list includes 2 children, 10 women, 11 older men, and 11 men aged under 50. It includes Israeli Jews, Arabs, and foreign nationals. The list includes the beautiful redheaded boys Kfir and Ariel Bibas, who were kidnapped together with their mother when Kfir was just 9 months old and Ariel 2.
Baby Bibas. The ginger hair of baby Kfir Bibas, the youngest hostage, cries out to the world at this rally calling for the release of all the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, December 21 2024 (Photo: Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)
As I write, I am glued to the TV, following the reports and speculation. At the same time, reports of a terrorist shooting attack that has just happened, leaving three dead and nine wounded, by Palestinian Arab terrorists, are a sobering reminder that all the terrorists’ goals are to kill as many Israelis as possible. Hamas and other terrorists are at best, making a short-term deal that they perceive in their interests, not changing their genocidal antisemitic goals.
Publicity of the list raises hopes for families of the 34, leaving the families of the remaining 66 hostages (and the hostages themselves) added stress, not knowing about their loved ones.
Publicity of the list also raised expectations in Israel, for all of us the release of ALL the hostages has been a national priority. Releasing these names and trickling out of other details also prepares Israel for the hard part that will be most widely debated, even protested: the release of an undisclosed number of Hamas terrorists. There have been reports of hundreds. These will be hardened terrorists with blood on their hands, guilty of murdering Israelis, and who, no matter the crimes they committed, have been treated in a humanitarian way during their incarceration. Nothing of the sort can be said about the conditions of the hostages.
Recently, Israel released a comprehensive report to the U.N. documenting abuse and actual crimes that were committed by the terrorists against the hostages who were released in December 2023, and others who were rescued since. The abuse has literally been inhuman, and one can only imagine how much worse the 459 days of suffering that the remaining hostages, and their loved ones, have endured all this time.
For those who come home alive, there will be months, or years, of rehabilitation and counseling. In all likelihood, they will never be “normal” again. For those who come home dead, Israel will have to go through the unimaginable process of identifying their remains, the cause of death, and to be sure that their bodies or the coffins in which they may be transported are not booby-trapped. Unthinkable.
It is hard to imagine massive protests within Israel against a deal that brings home these hostages, but there are several domestic considerations that could have an impact. First, the overall revulsion at negotiating with terrorists at all, coupled with an imperative to maximize pressure against Hamas and other terrorists, especially now. Second, as soon as there is a parallel list of terrorists to be released, the family members of the victims will feel betrayed, unsafe, and that they and their loved ones’ suffering has been in vain. Third, nothing in Israel is not political, and even within the current coalition there are loud voices against any deal with Hamas. Prime Minister Netanyahu needs to balance doing the right thing to bring home as many hostages as possible, with maintaining the viability of his government.
BBC NEWS announces the Hamas list of Israeli hostages it might release if a ceasefire deal is reached but does not provide details as to whether they are alive or dead.
It is unclear how much resistance he will have from within his own coalition to any deal that releases Palestinian Arab terrorists. It is unclear to what extent if any of those in the opposition who have criticized the Prime Minister and his government robustly for not doing more to get the hostages released, will support the government in doing so despite being opposed to it remaining in power. Such are parliamentary democracies in general, but in Israel these issues are existential, and emotions run deep.
Recently, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed that throughout the war and hostage situation, Hamas was emboldened and backed away from other deals when they perceived that Israel was the subject of serious international diplomatic and other pressure. It is rare for me to agree with Blinken. I could have told him this would be the case, on October 8, 9, or 10, 2023. This is intuitive and should not be treated as a shocking announcement, but a failure in policy. To the extent that the US or anyone else chose to pressure Israel in a way that emboldened the terrorists, they are also culpable in the long, dragged-out hostage crisis. While there are hopeful signs for some, we cannot forget that the crisis is far from over.
All the imbalanced pressure and public threats toward Israel have backfired. Now, extreme pressure needs to be exerted against Hamas and their genocidal supporters. Sign the petition to lend your voice to pressure Hamas, and put pressure on the world bodies that it’s only through pressure on Hamas that ALL the hostages will be released. Pray that soon, ALL the hostages will be released and they and their families and all of Israel can indeed be released.
About the writer:
Jonathan Feldstein - President of the US based non-profit Genesis123 Foundation whose mission is to build bridges between Jews and Christians – is a freelance writer whose articles appear in The Jerusalem Post, Times of Israel, Townhall, NorthJersey.com, Algemeiner Jornal, The Jewish Press, major Christian websites and more.
While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves. LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO).
The document coins a harrowing new term and describes how “Hamas struck at the heart of the Jewish community: the family unit.”
By Rolene Marks
The Civil Commission on October 7th Crimes by Hamas against Women and Children released a groundbreaking report this week. Titled “Kinocide: The Weaponization of Families,” its key findings demonstrate the systematic and widespread targeting of families “aimed at terrorizing and breaking the spirit of kins and entire communities.”
The report, prepared by Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy, Dr. Michal Gilad and Dr. Ilya Rudyak from the Civil Commission, introduces the term “Kinocide,” which is defined as “the weaponization of families and the exploitation of familial bonds as a distinct form of violence.”
To compile the report, the commission reviewed a substantial volume of materials and evidence including photographs, video footage, audio recordings, satellite images, text messages exchanged as the attack unfolded, recorded testimonies, media coverage, investigative reports and public databases.
Simantov family were murdered on Kibbutz Nir Oz. (Photo: Rolene Marks)
A profoundly harrowing read, it details Hamas atrocities committed against families and communities on Oct. 7, 2023. They included acts such as:
– killing and severe injury in the presence of other family members
– eliminating entire family units
– abduction of families, including children
– using digital and social media to broadcast abuses directly to the victims’ families and the general public, including by commandeering victims’ social media accounts
– intentionally separating family members
– burning and vandalizing family homes.
The “Kinocide” report features contributions from eminent experts such as Irwin Cotler, international chair of the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights and former minister for justice in Canada. The report is endorsed by many leaders, prominent individuals and organizations.
Elkayam-Levy, founder of the Civil Commission, told JNS, “The weaponization of families in war is a crime without a name, inflicted on victims without a voice. It represents a devastating form of atrocity that demands urgent recognition and action from the international community. By identifying and documenting the systematic and targeted abuse and destruction of families – a crime we have named kinocide – we aim to give this suffering a name and provide victims with the language to articulate their unique pain, bringing this hidden cruelty into the forefront of international law and human rights discourse.”
The Oct. 7 attacks were not the first time that the crime of kinocide has been evident. Other examples included in the report come from war and conflict in Iraq, Syria, Rwanda, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Sierra Leone, Russia and Ukraine, as well as earlier occurrences by Nazi Germany.
The remains of the control centre, nahal Oz. (Photo: Rolene Marks)
According to the report, identifying and naming kinocide is key to protecting families and bringing attention to this historically unrecognized phenomenon. The report’s authors see such recognition as a powerful tool for ensuring justice and accountability.
Masih Alinejad, Iranian-American journalist, author and women’s rights activist, has endorsed the Civil Commission’s report, noting that “The weaponization of families is neither new nor unique to the October 7 attack, but … deliberate targeting of families should be recognized as constituting a new form of international crime.”
Sheryl Sandberg, founder of Lean In and producer of the documentary “Screams before Silence”, has also endorsed the commission’s report:
“On October 7, Hamas struck at the heart of the Jewish community: the family unit. Hamas’s atrocities against families were designed to break one of life’s strongest bonds. They tried, but they must never be allowed to succeed. This groundbreaking work by the Civil Commission, led by the incredible Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy, and supported by the Raoul Wallenberg Center …, serves as a clarion call to the international community to stand up and take action to protect families across the globe from future acts of violence by classifying kinocide as a crime against humanity.”
The young generation neighbourhood Kibbutz Kfar Aza. (Photo: Rolene Marks)
The Civil Commission began disseminating the report in late December 2024 and will continue throughout 2025 through various channels, including email distribution, in-person meetings, webinars and conferences.
*Feature picture – Oded Lipshitz’s house – he remains captive in Gaza. (Photo: Rolene Marks)
While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves. LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO).
For almost three weeks recently, we visited our daughter every day at Hadassah Ein Kerem in Jerusalem – she underwent a series of operations and procedures and thankfully, is now on the slow road to recovery. The medical care has been truly outstanding for which we have a lot to be grateful. What especially stands out is the professionalism of the staff, many of whom – possibly even the majority amongst the nursing staff, are Israeli Arabs. But there is something more: over and above their expertise, the genuine concern exhibited, the friendliness and compassion which you can’t fake, the authenticity of feeling, all played an essential part in the recuperation, recovery and well- being of our daughter.
Unity in Diversity. Hadassah Medical Center workers hold signs emphasizing cooperation.
Of course, there are always issues and I’m not going to sugar coat this – hospitals are after all stressful, frenetic places and emotions are on display – and one sees the best and the worst excesses of human behavior.
But on the macro level, the tension-free mixed wards, relaxed lounge areas and eating places – which will never make the headlines because this is truly good news, somehow seem to belie the reality of our fragile and at times hanging- by-a- thread country outside the walls of the hospital. Which begs the question:
How do we take the reality of what goes on behind the doors of the hospital: an oasis and haven of relative calm and a slice of normality, and transplant it lock, stock and barrel to our real world. What are the ingredients, the secret sauce for success? How do we mirror image and clone a relatively peaceful institution and make the centre hold in our immediate outside world where “anarchy is loosed upon the world” (Yeats).
Holding on Together. Jews and Arabs traveling on the Light Rail through French Hill in Jerusalem, one of the most integrated and diverse areas in Israel “where people live, work, shop, and eat together ….a model of co-existence.”
Sadly, I cannot prescribe a remedy or template for success or for that matter, something earth shatteringly profound but the regrettable observation that failing the emergence of a once-in-a-lifetime larger than life Mandela type leader, we are sometimes left subjected to spineless pygmy politicians of all stripes and sizes. Them as well as a media and their proxies: arrogant, know-it-all talking heads and so-called experts on all sides of the spectrum who cannot be trusted nor seemingly deliver. Consequently, the pathways to a new and more optimistic future have to be bottom-up driven, that it is ultimately “we, the people”, who have to painstakingly and modestly find the way to change our current harsh reality and that yes, there are role models for success. Take my neighborhood for instance, French Hill in Jerusalem, possibly one of the most integrated and diverse in Israel where people live, work, shop, and eat together and is, to all intents and purposes, a model of co-existence – with no authoritarian dictates on how and where we should live our lives. Or take our apartment block where religious Jews and Muslims live side by side together with Christians and secular and traditional Jews.
This harmony and goodwill was especially pronounced when Iran forced us all several times into our communal shelter. In other words, changing our reality is doable! And we can especially take comfort – and inspiration from the fact that Israeli society, the people: amcha, post October 7th, in the face of an absent, reckless and negligent government, rallied together with our unbelievably dedicated brave and courageous soldiers and pilots – and a President whose middle name is Empathy, and came to the heroic rescue and rebuilding of our fractured, traumatized country and people.
Young Boys, Old City. Three boys, one Jewish, one Muslim and one Christian, all bearing the name of Abraham, at the Dome of the Rock and the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, 2000. How connected are they today as adults?
Maybe and of course, this is a long and unrealistic shot (but please, indulge my fantasy – we can “perchance to dream”, can’t we?) we should, following on reflections of our daughter’s hospital experience, entrust our future into the capable hands of the helping professions who get it, who understand human weakness and frailty, who selflessly provide not only the generous and gentle heart – and a broad shoulder to lean on but who help us navigate the depths of pain, suffering and anxiety, and also strive to find the blueprint that makes us whole and brings out the very best in us.
Witness the rapport between the Muslim woman who manages the endo-chemistry laboratory and her Jewish staff member Limor Avraham, the warm connection between the Muslim internal medicine day hospital manager and a Jewish ultra-Orthodox volunteer, and the collaboration between each of the very diverse teams of Jewish, Christian and Arab intensive care nurses, x-ray technicians and kitchen staff. Listen to Hadassah’s staff members sing about their commitment to opening their hearts and working together to save lives, “Together All the Way. Together, There Is No Other Way.”
About the writer:
Solly Kaplinski, former Headmaster of Herzlia High School in Cape Town, also headed up Jewish Day Schools in Toronto and Vancouver. His Aliyah professionally has been bookended by working at Yad Vashem in the International Relations Department and at the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) where he served for 17 years as the Executive Director of Overseas Joint Ventures. He is also the author of a novella, A world of Pains: A Redemptive Parable? He lives in Jerusalem with his wife, Arleen, and their 3 daughters, their spouses and an egalitarian minyan of grandchildren, all living in Israel.
While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves. LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO).
A Middle East round of ‘carnage’ was happening not on a battlefield but a rugby field.
By David E. Kaplan
One would think from the daily platter of international news that the only interaction the Jewish state has in a dominantly Muslim neighborhood is one of military hostility. Not true.
Unsurprisingly, with daily reportage of incoming missiles and responding air attacks, Israel playing rugby in the Gulf would unlikely make front page news or any news anywhere. But that is what happened over a 3-day rugby 7s tournament in Dubai, and Israel’s top and only professional rugby team, the Tel Aviv Heat was there competing. For Israeli rugby fans “The Heat” as they are known, was hot news – but it more ways than only rugby.
For those unfamiliar with the Dubai rugby 7s – or more colloquially known as “The Dubai Sevens” – it is one of the biggest events in the expat sporting and social calendar with the rugby community turning out in their thousands from all corners of the globe for a three-day festival of rugby. The 2024 tournament took place from the November 30 to December 1 and Tel Aviv Heat was there flying proudly the Israeli colours.
Formed in 2021 to play in the 2021–22 Rugby Europe Super Cup, Tel Aviv Heat has also been called the “Israeli Springboks” on account of the number of South Africans in the team. It has also been described as “the world’s most diverse rugby team”.
Hot Stuff. Formed in 2021, Tel Aviv Heat has also been called the “Israeli Springboks” on account of the number of South Africans in the team. It has also been described as “the world’s most diverse rugby team”.
The Israeli team’s participation in Dubai amidst of a long ongoing war was viewed by the Israel Rugby Union as both a significant achievement and a powerful response to the anti-Israel global movement seeking to promote boycotts, sanctions and divestment against the beleaguered Jewish state. Just last year, the team’s invitation to a South African tournament was revoked due to BDS pressures. “For us, stepping onto the field and playing was a victory,” said Rugby Union CEO Bonnie Manor-Gottfried.
In February 2023, South Africa Rugby withdrew an invitation to the Israeli club Tel Aviv Heat to compete in a second-tier competition from March 24. Resorting to verbal jujitsu as an ‘explanation’, SA Rugby president Mark Alexander said at the time:
“We have taken this decision to avoid the likelihood of the competition becoming a source of division, notwithstanding the fact that Israel is a full member of World Rugby and the IOC.”
This was in keeping with South Africa’s policy that had downgraded its embassy in Tel Aviv in 2019, pulled out its ambassador and has long adopted a very hostile stance toward Israel, endorsing the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. So yes, Israel’s Rugby Union CEO is correct when he says just:
“…stepping onto the field and playing was a victory.”
Tel Aviv Heat’s participation in the Gulf tournament marked the first time an Israeli rugby team has competed in a competitive tournament in Dubai, further warming relations and hopefully fostering future sporting collaborations. It was a “victory” also because “the mere participation of an Israeli team, just a week after the tragic murder of Chabad emissary Tzvi Kogan in Dubai, was far from guaranteed,” explained Bonnie Manor-Gottfried. The abduction and murder of 28-year-old Rabbi Kogan’s who devoted himself to Jewish life in the Gulf state, shook the Jewish communities of the UAE and around the world. During an atmosphere of Jews feeling naturally targeted, the Jewish state’s team “… stepped onto the field with Israel emblazoned on their uniforms, carrying a strong sense of national representation during such a challenging time.”
While there were initial concerns, everything changed once the team arrived in Dubai. “They were incredibly organized, accompanied us throughout, strengthened security, and made us feel safe and protected,” said Manor-Gottfried. “Communication during the event with all security entities was excellent. We also bolstered security with private measures, and everything went smoothly.”
Cool it. “THE HEAT” taking time out to cool off.
THE ‘HEAT’ IS ON
Despite Tel Aviv Heat’s young age, the team has achieved significant success in the European league and the invitation to the Dubai tournament has cemented the team’s standing on the international rugby stage. “Participating in the tournament, gaining experience, and competing at that level is exactly what the Israeli national team needs as part of our ambitious project to climb the global rankings,” explained head coach Kevin Musikanth. “It was an incredible experience.” Also “incredible” is despite South Africa’s obsessive high-profile antagonism to Israel, it is a former South African that is taking the Israeli team to new heights. Head Coach Musikanth started playing rugby at the age of five when his father passed him a ball on Muizenberg Beach in his hometown of Cape Town. Since that day, he has never put the ball down.
Says Musikanth:
“I fell in love with the game from a very young age. I dreamed of becoming a Springbok and my father was my rugby coach for most of my school career. He nurtured the love I have for the game. I remember watching rugby with him and knowing every player in every team in the Currie Cup. These were my favorite memories, being with my dad and watching rugby on TV or live at Newlands stadium…”
Turning Up the Heat. Tel Aviv Heat’s Head coach Kevin Musikanth – who started playing rugby at the age of five when his father passed him a ball on Muizenberg Beach in Cape Town – is seen here (front in blue t-shirt) with his team, described as “the world’s most diverse rugby team”.
Kevin played rugby until the age of 24 when shoulder injuries cut his career short. During that time, he still managed to play for the SA Maccabi team that won a gold medal in the 2001 Maccabi Games.
“It was on the back of the Maccabi games in 2017 when I was the coach of the South African Maccabi Team,” that he was approached to come to Israel and be the coach of the national team. Although initially it seemed a tough call to make leaving SA professional rugby, “on reflection and the fact that they were very persistent, I felt I could make a difference and I imagined how proud my Russian and Lithuanian grandparents would be should I take it on, and I decided to pack my bags make Aliyah and go for it… 5 years later I am very happy I made that decision…”
So is Israel rugby.
Now Musikanth’s dream is to help Israel “get to the World Cup and I’m positive that with Tel Aviv Heat as a catalyst, we have a great chance to do so…”
In the meantime, he was proudly “going for it” with his Israeli team in Dubai.
Captaining the sevens squad at the Dubai tournament, Gal Aviram, adds that “…the atmosphere was electrifying. There was a massive crowd, world-class rugby, and top-tier players. This is one of the biggest rugby events in the world. Being an active participant there is an incredible honor.”
Powerful and Poignant. ‘VISIT ISRAEL’ and the yellow symbol for freeing the hostages appear on these Tel Aviv Heat players.
Continues Aviram:
“Today, Heat is essentially the extended arm of the Israeli national team. It integrates national team players and international reinforcements, enabling us to compete in high-level tournaments. It also sets a high standard for experienced players while giving younger players a benchmark to aspire to.
Every tournament is an opportunity to play at these levels, pushing us one step closer to our collective dream of reaching the World Cup and the Olympic Games.”
Materialization of these dreams will be a question, not of ‘if’, but of ‘when’ because in the words of Herzl, “If You will it, it is no Dream” and there is no shortage of “WILL” in Israel in whatever “field” of endeavour.
While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves. LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO).
30 December 2024 – Health Ministry hands over devastating report on hostages to UN. This and headlines on The Israel Brief.
31 December 2024 – Hamas refuses to release 12 of 34 hostages presumed alive and your top stories on The Israel Brief.
01 January 2025 – Impasse on hostage negotiations? This and more on The Israel Brief.
02 January 2025 – Palestinian Authority bans Al Jazeera and more on The Israel Brief.
While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves. LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO).
Ten months ago, it was love at first sight for 42-year-old Lioz Hamo from moshav Amnun in the Upper Galilee, when he took a quick look at the “Villa Tehilla” estate, originally built as a farm in 1882 and later transformed into a famed traveler’s inn in Rosh Pina. The owner, Tehilla Yisraeli, who had been among the first to rent out rooms in the picturesque town, had passed away three years earlier. Although not renowned for being a boutique hotel or resort, Lonely Planet nevertheless saw in it a certain Galilean mystical magic as to describe it 20 years ago as:
“Israel’s most unique accommodation option”.
Northern Gem. The entrance to “Villa Tehilla” housed on an 1882 estate built as a farm and traveler’s inn in Rosh Pina. (Photo: Motti Verses)
Placed on the market for rent, Lioz and his wife Adva – tourism lovers who mainly operate a camping compound and rent out all-terrain vehicles (ATV) – jumped at the opportunity to meet the challenge despite the country being engaged in a devastating war. Undeterred with incoming missiles a daily routine in the north, the courageous couple signed the contract and the legendary farm guest house passed into their hands. It was tough; instead of easing, the war was intensifying and few guests arrived, and in September, a rocket from Lebanon landed in the hotel’s backyard with fragments penetrating into the dining room and one of the guest’s bathrooms. Left with few viable options, the couple recalibrated their situation and instead of tourists, took in mostly evacuees, which begged the question I put to the intrepid couple:
“Who makes such a business move in the middle of a war?”
“Tourism is the only thing we know and Lioz always had good instincts in this arena. The 14 rooms “Villa Tehilla” was a dream come true for us,” replied Adva.
“Room with a View”. A typical “Villa Tehilla” room at this Galilean famous guest house (Photo :Motti Verses)
Dressed his in military uniform, having just returned a short break amid months of reserve duty on the Syrian border, Lioz makes me a great espresso. We continue speaking. There is a change mood of optimism as the ceasefire agreement on the border with Lebanon appears to be holding reflected in the place being fully booked by midweek Wednesday. It was further evident to me as I observed Adva constantly on the phone smiling as she registered new bookings.
I was enthralled to learn more about Villa Tehilla’s history. Thirty years earlier, Tehilla Yisraeli (Tehilla means ‘fame’ in biblical Hebrew) and her husband Amichai bought this 19th-century farm and converted the former stables and dairy into a charming guesthouse. Over the decades, it became world-famous and visitors to northern Israel headed to old Rosh Pina to experience “Villa Tehilla”. The torch carrying this legacy that has now been passed to Lioz and Adva who eagerly welcome adding their enriching chapters to an enthralling story. Most impressive was how the farm’s original central courtyard is still preserved with the original stone walls and decorative tiles – now exquisite antiques. I felt I was stepping back in time to the heroic era of the early Jewish pioneer – the sweat and toil of building the modern state; draining malaria-ridden swamps and farming – a work that was mostly unfamiliar to most of them! These were the thoughts percolating in my mind as I was jolted back to the present.
Old World Charm. Villa Tehilla’s inner courtyard leading to the stables now transformed into guest rooms. (Photo by Motti Verses)
“We have 14 charming and beautiful rooms; each room has its own beauty and character,” says Adva. “There is a heated pool, a jacuzzi and a sauna,” and as I can deliciously testify to, “a delicious Galilean breakfast.”
Dream House. “Villa Tehilla is a dream come true for us,” says General Manager Adva Hemo seen here with the writer. (Photo: Itzhak Rabihiya)
And above all, there is the hotel’s setting in picturesque Rosh Pina, where, as one breathes in the fresh Galian air, one takes in the breathtaking views of the rural landscape as it pastorally leads up to the mighty Hermon Mountain, which every winter is peaked white with snow.
First settled in the 1870s, the original ‘Old Town’ of Rosh Pina consists of just a few short cobblestone streets where today’s visitors can relive village life as it was over a century ago. One can enjoy the cultural and artistic ambiance, popping into dozens of galleries where artists and craftsmen– some well-known – sell jewelry, ceramics, sculpture and paintings. Art certainly occupies a prominent place and sets the tone in this picturesque “Princess of the Galilee”.
The nearby JNF-KKL Agamon Hula Lake, internationally acclaimed for bird watching, was still closed to the public when I was there but reopened a few days later. “During the war, we had about eight workers left to maintain the place, sometimes under fire,” says Inbar Shlomit Rubin, field manager at the Hula Lake. “Even after the reopening, not all of the observatories are available for visitors yet – for safety reasons. Our biggest challenge is manpower. Some of our employees are still evacuated, while others may never return, having found alternate employment elsewhere. Also, nature and the birds will also need time to get accustomed to the presence again of people, and we urge all our visitors to travel with this understanding of a land and its people in a process of healing,” she says.
We drive east and climb the narrow road winding our way up the mighty Golan Heights, aiming for the family-owned Odem Mountain Winery. Located in a forest in the northern part of the Golan, this renowned winery produces 200,000 bottles annually. “While production continued uninterrupted during the war, I was drafted into the army, serving 200 reserve days since October 7th,” says General Manager Alon Arbel. Nevertheless, he says, “Our supply chain continued normally to central Israel and we even invested significant funds in expanding our on-site visitor’s center by building a new wine room.” I must say this new structure is very impressive by international standards and compares well with the famous wineries in Europe. Kudos to Arbel and owner Michael Alfasi. Since the ceasefire agreement in the north, they point out that “traffic to visit the winery has resumed significantly.”
Le’Chaim (“Cheers”). “Since the ceasefire, business has picked up significantly,” says Odem Mountain Winery owner Michael Alfasi (right) seen here toasting with General Manager Alon Arbel in the new wine room. (Photo: Motti Verses)
Not far away, 1,070 meters above sea level, we check in at the Boutique El-Rom hotel – a serene retreat amidst the beauty of the Golan Heights. Closed for business during the war, it has now reopened. This 44-room family hotel at the entrance to the kibbutz looks totally new and inviting. Nevertheless, even with a ceasefire, the atmospherics of war was still inescapable. There always remains the need to be prepared as evident on our arrival, finding the 37-year-old general manager, Shimon Michael, attired in semi-army khakis engaged with running El-Rom’s first response defense squad. On my way to meet him in the hotel’s lounge, I witnessed the housekeeper arranging a guest room – with an M16 assault rifle on his shoulder!
Business is Back. Following the ceasefire agreement, “…weekends are back to being busy and Passover is fully booked,” says an optimistic Shimon Michael, general manager of the 44-room family-oriented Boutique El-Rom hotel. (Photo: Motti Verses)
“We had to let go of most of our staff during the war and now we are training totally new team members.” Despite the challenges in the north, “the cease fire makes us optimistic as new bookings are coming in daily. Weekends are back to being busy and Passover is fully booked,” says an optimistic Shimon.
A newly appointed receptionist sends us to enjoy dinner at a new fancy restaurant in Birkat Ram, a natural water source reservoir under Mount Hermon. While ‘Waze’ is doing its best in navigating us through the darkness, due to intentional military interference, we soon find ourselves lost on a dirt road close to the Syrian border. Suddenly a suspicious-looking pick-up truck is driving towards us but we had nothing to fear.
“Can you help us with directions to Tushar restaurant by the lake?’ I anxiously asked two very friendly Druze youngsters inside.
“Sure, follow us. We live close by,” they answered and within minutes we were in a mirage called Tushar. For a moment we thought we were in a contemporary designed upscale Tel Aviv restaurant. Twenty-eight-year-old Druze Chef, Saleh Gotany from Buq’ata, who worked in Ran Shmueli’s Claro’s famous Sarona Tel Aviv restaurant, welcomed us with a smile. His Syrian-style cuisine menu was a dream. The steak he prepared for us will be long remembered.
“Who opens an upmarket restaurant in such a place during a war?” I ask.
Golan Gastronomy. Druze Chef Saleh Gotany at Birkat Ram’s new Tushar restaurant by the lake near Majdal Shams in the Golan. (Photo: Motti Verses)
“It was certainly a commercial gamble,” answers Saleh. “However, we wanted to cheer up the citizens of nearby Majdal Shams.” This is the Druze town in the Golan Heights that made international news when it lost 12 children following a rocket attack by Hezbollah on 27 July, 2024. “My partners and I invested half a million Shekels in this new restaurant,” continues Gotany. “We wanted to make a mark on Druze gastronomy in the Golan and although mostly locals presently dine here, we are aiming to increase our clientele across the entire northern Golan.”
The following day at noon, I am walking along the stream of the breathtaking Tel Dan Nature Reserve, not far from the city of Kiryat Shmona. With me is Raya Shourky, director general of Israel Nature and Parks Authority. Together with her executive team, she shows us the immense damage caused by the war.
Adjusting to War. The writer with Israel Nature and Parks director general, Raya Shourky in the Tel Dan Nature Reserve. With the visitor center closed due to a direct hit by a Hezbollah rocket, a temporary caravan serves presently in its place. (Photo: Motti Verses)
The visitor center is closed following a direct hit by a rocket. A temporary caravan serves in its place. Not far away, we see the once green areas in the Banias Nature Reserve now consumed by fire caused by Hezbollah rockets.
Nature under Attack. A scene in the Banias Nature Reserve following a rocked attack from Lebanon. Approximately 223 thousand dunams were burned in Israel’s the Northern District since Hezbollah began on 8 October, 2023, firing missiles at Israel. (Photo: Motti Verses)
“2024 has been the most challenging year in our 60 years of existence,” informs Shourky. “Most of the damage is in the Northern District where approximately 223 thousand dunams have been burned. We will definitely need government financial support to recover.” The good news however, she says, “is that most of the sites are now open for the benefit of the public, so that they can again enjoy nature not far from the border with Lebanon.”
Surprise at the Stream. The writer discovers a gaping hole in the Snir Stream (Hatsbani) Nature Reserve, caused by a Burkan short-range ballistic missile fired by Hezbollah. (Photo: Motti Verses)
We drive south to central Israel and make a detour, heading to the small Christian village of Jish, also known by its Hebrew name of Gush Halab. The Christmas tree had just been lit and the central tiny streets were decorated for the festive holidays. Taking full advantage of the ceasefire, Bachir Sliman, (named after the late assassinated Militia commander and Lebanese president-elect Bachir Gemayel), re-opened his popular Hunter House meat restaurant for the first time since the war began. “It is so encouraging to welcome back old customers after such a long time,” he says with a smile. “It will take at least six months for the business to recover,” and suggests that “the government should assist tourist enterprises by lowering the VAT rate,” for a designated recovery period. Interestingly, Sliman reveals that regardless of the personal challenges of living through this war, he has nevertheless managed to transfer funds to his relatives across the border into Lebanon who see him as a person living in “a dream country.”
We ‘Meat’ Again. Christian Bachir Sliman is happy, following the ceasefire, to be welcoming back his regular customers at his popular Jish Hunter House meat restaurant. (Photo: Motti Verses)
I couldn’t agree more.
One thing is for sure. On Israel’s battered northern frontiers, I found amongst the people, a grit and feisty determination as well as an optimism for a better tomorrow and a confidence in future tourism.
*Feature picture – Sight Sublime.The Agamon Hula Lake in northern Israel, famous for bird watching. (Photo by Dana Klein).
About the writer:
The writer, Motti Verses, is a Travel Flash Tips publisher. His travel stories are published on THE TIMES OF ISRAEL https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/author/motti-verses/. And his hospitality analysis reviews on THE JERUSALEM POST, are available on his Linkedin page LinkedIn Israelhttps://il.linkedin.com › motti-verse…Motti Verses – Publisher and Chief Editor – TRAVEL FLASH TIPSAnd his hospitality analysis reviews on THE JERUSALEM POST, are available on his Linkedin page LinkedIn Israelhttps://il.linkedin.com › motti-verse…Motti Verses – Publisher and Chief Editor – TRAVEL FLASH TIPS
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