Day Ten - The struggle goes on

The image of Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad appeared on the news today. A tall man he was dressed in military attire with a saber. The purpose was a dedication ceremony for a communications center in Kuneitra, the Syrian town closest to the border with Israel in the Golan Heights. An announcement was made at the time that Syria was once again threatening to take the Golan back from Israel by force. Prior to his political career as President starting in 2001 the son of the former President of Syria Hafez al-Assad was best known for introducing the internet to Syria. It was hoped that he would usher in a new level of freedom in Syria which really never happened.

The press conference cited the Druze living under Israeli rule in the Golan as the reason for reclaiming the area for Syria. The truth of the matter is the Druze in the Golan are fairly independent of both Israel and Syria. They enjoy the benefits of living in the Democratic State of Israel but are separated by the border from family who still live in Syria. They know their life in Israel is far better than their Syrian counterparts but are not becoming Israeli citizens for fear of Syrian reprisals and the are not sure what country will ultimately be in charge.

Next story: The Heredim (Ultra Orthodox) are rioting in Jerusalem because a Parking Structure in the Old City will be open on Shabbat. A demonstrator is hurt when he fell off a fence he was climbing. A short stocky policewoman is pushing a heavy set man dressed in 18th century black clothes and hat. Two blond twins with kippas and curls maybe 7 or 8 years old are throwing rocks.

As Nick and I tour the Nimrod Fortress in the Golan and the Banias Nature Reserve the conflict continues. Battles have raged for 3000 years. The land is won and lost. Civilizations thrive and decline. Kings build great walls to protect what they have but time takes them down.

Banias Falls. This is an important tributary to the Knerret that provides fresh water for the entire area

While walking the Banias Nature Reserve barbwire fence warns and seperates park goers from land mines

Nimrod Fortress. Note the rocks above. Visitors are warned to stir clear of collapsing walls.

This spiral stair goes down two flights in the Southwest tower. It is pitch black and Nick and I encountered bats at the bottom

We hiked to the top of the Fortress Donjon or Keep high up over looking all of the Golan.