In the Footsteps of Martyrs and Heros

In the Footsteps of Martyrs and Heros

4 November 2024
As I hiked the Israel National Trail last week, ascending towards Jerusalem from Shaar Hagai to Nahal Kislon, I could see and feel the history of modern-day Israel and the country's struggle for survival in every step. The trail bears witness to the Holocaust and the War of Independence. As our guide Avi spoke of Ben Gurion's leadership and the military operations in 1948, the tales were hauntingly similar to current events in the region today.
Celebrations on the Israel Trail

Celebrations on the Israel Trail

2 May 2010
Segment 23 – Shaar Hagai to Sho’evah (Shoresh) *   We should have celebrated an anniversary on the trail yesterday, but I didn't realize it until last night. Exactly one year ago (May 2, 2009) I began my journey on the Israel National Trail. Over the year, my hiking group has evolved and established a pace and rhythm that suits our personalities and physical abilities. It has been such a pleasure and a success! May our adventures continue! After checking the weather forecast and the route topography, Yuval and I planned a "standard" 15-kilometer route on the Israel Trail for our hiking group, from Sho'evah (Shoresh) to Shaar Hagai. We also decided to formally adopt the philosophy of hiking each segment in the direction that is easiest on the hikers, rather than conforming strictly to a north-to-south progression. That meant today's hike was mostly downhill, although it did include one long tough climb. Close…