The North: From Golan Heights to Haifa
Northern Israel is divided into four central areas:
- Upper Galilee, Galilee Panhandle & The Golan Heights
- Western Galilee
- Lower Galilee, The Jordan Rift Valley & Mount Gilboa
- Haifa & The Carmel
We will focus on the main sites and settlements throughout the Northern region.
We will learn about the history, heritage, and geography of the region, as well as the environmental and community projects that KKL-JNF runs in the area.
KKL-JNF Projects
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Hula Lake Valley: A Bird Oasis in the Galilee
This clip (6:11) introduces KKL-JNF’s Hula Lake Park visitors center. With no fewer than 500 million birds passing through yearly on their migratory path, the Hula Valley is one of the
The Makings of a World-Renowned Bird-Watching Site
This brief clip (1:00) describes the amazing work that KKL-JNF has done to rehabilitate and revive the now world-renowned Hula Valley. What used to be a malaria-infested swamp region is
Drying the Hula Lake: A Firsthand Account
In this brief clip (1:14), Nahum Bendel, artist and former employee of one of Israel’s oldest construction companies, documents his firsthand experiences working in the Hula Valley swamps. In the
KKL-JNF Helps Young Israelis Fulfill Their Dreams
In this short clip (0:42), students at the KKL-JNF House for Excellence in Upper Nazareth share their ambitions for their future. The House for Excellence is an inviting, informal education
KKL-JNF Houses for Youth in Israel’s Periphery
Learn about a unique KKL-JNF project (2:40) that serves to empower Israeli youth in Nazareth. The House for Excellence is an inviting, informal education center which will serve as the prototype
KKL-JNF Houses for Excellence: A Unique Informal Education Project
Produced by KKL-JNF, this video (02:52) introduces the KKL-JNF House for Excellence in Upper Nazareth, an informal educational initiative that aims to empower the youth of Israel’s periphery. The House in Upper Nazareth
KKL-JNF Builds Akko and the Western Galilee
Get acquainted with KKL-JNF‘s ‘Go North’ campaign in this clip (4:42). In an effort to build the north and attract 300,000 newcomers, KKL-JNF suppots and promotes local tourism and infrastructure
Tel Akko & The Mediterranean Botanical Garden
Produced by KKL-JNF, this wordless video (0:58) shows footage from the Lily Sharon Park, Tel Akko, and The Mediterranean Botanical Garden. Developed with the support of friends of JNF Canada
KKL-JNF Western Galilee Tourist Information Center
Produced by Western Galilee Now, this video (04:20) introduces the Western Galilee Tourist Information center in Old Akko, established by JNF-USA in 2016 to promote tourism and strengthen the economy
Highlights of Nahal Hashofet
This wordless video (01:05) presents some of the attractions of Nahal Hashofet, including the stream, accessible walking path, swimming area, forest, and more.
Nahal HaShofet
From the website of JNF-KKL, this article introduces the unique nature and attractions of Nahal HaShofet, a stream in the Mount Carmel region in Northern Israel, operated by KKL-JNF. With a
LOTEM & KKL-JNF: Making Nature Accessible to All
This moving video (06:03) describes the activities of LOTEM, an Israeli non-profit organization that works to make nature accessible to those with special needs. Together with KKL-JNF, the organization built
E-Learning
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Sites & Regions in northern Israel
Upper Galilee, Galilee Panhandle & The Golan Heights Mount Hermon & the Jordan River Tributaries The Golan Heights The Galilee Panhandle – From Rosh Pina to Metula Western Galilee Akko,
Northern Israel’s Misgav Region: Progressing Towards Sustainable Living
The Misgav Regional Council is home to 22,000 people, and comprises 35 small towns. The region is noted for the way that Jewish and non-Jewish communities live side-by-side. Environmental awareness permeates
The Multisensory Science Park for Special-Needs Children at the Jordan River Village
This video [02:21] shows the newly-built multisensory science park at Jordan River Village (Kfar Nahal Yarden), a unique project funded by JNF-KKL Australia, and the actors Chaim Topol (Tevye in
Ancient Amphitheater Rocks as Shalit Returns Home
On the night that Gilad Shalit returned home from 5 long years in captivity at the hands of Hamas, a massive concert was held in the Shuni Amphitheater. The amphitheatre
Planning the Prison Break – Scene from Exodus (1960)
In this scene (2:18) from classic MGM film Exodus (1960), we see members of the pre-State underground movements planning a massive, clandestine operation to free Jewish prisoners held in the Acre prison. This is
Staged Naval War Games at Shuni
This video (1:52) shows a reenactment of Naumachia, staged naval battles which were very popular in the Coliseum in Rome. Archaeologists have found marks at the bottom of the ancient Shuni
Underground Headquarters in Pre-State Israel
In the pre-State years, the medieval Shuni fortress served as the headquarters for the Irgun, the right-wing underground movement for freeing the State of Israel. Shuni played an important role
Etzel and the Shuni Region Nowadays
Back in the pre-State era, the Shuni fortress used to serve as the headquarters for the Etzel (Irgun Tzva’i Le’umi), a movement of freedom fighters dedicated to the liberation of
From Shuni to Caesarea — The Roman Aqueducts
Between Haifa and Tel Aviv lies the ancient city of Caesarea, built by King Herod in 10 BCE. Even in medieval times, the city had an abundant supply of water that came
Shuni Then and Now
The Shuni Fortress and the land surrounding it bear major historical significance. Once a Jewish Talmudic village, the Romans built an amphitheater where they gathered for water celebrations. The Crusaders
Tzfat’s Top Eight Historical Synagogues
This list, comprised by Ascent, a hostel which also offers educational Jewish enrichment programs for visitors from Israel and around the world, highlights the eight major historical synagogues in Tzfat.
Exploring the Historic Tunnels of Tzfat — A Kabbalistic Experience
This video, produced by the non-profit educational organization, Livnot U’lehibanot, gives a brief tour of the 16th century tunnels in Tzfat. This excavation site offers visitors the chance to delve
A Glimpse at David Friedman’s Kabbalistic Art Gallery
This drawing, “The Seed Of Creation,” from David Friedman’s Kosmic Kabbalah Art Gallery, depicts “Ein Sof” — the Infiniteness and Eternal Light of God. Friedman integrates complex Kabbalistic ideas into his art,
KKL-JNF Restores Tzfat’s Blue Valley Park
Thanks to the generous funding of KKL-JNF Australia and Canada, the Tzfat municipality has been able to restore Blue Valley Park, located a stone’s throw from the entrance of Tzfat.
The Artist Colony of Tzfat
This wordless video (01:12) captures the energy and creativity of the Artist Colony in Tzfat, where a wide range of local artists feature and sell their work, including paintings, jewelry,
Jewish History in Tzfat: From Ancient Times Until Today
Citing ancient historical and Jewish sources, this informative, yet basic, slideshow (05:51) presents the more than 2,000 year long history of Tzfat. It traces the Jewish community in Tzfat from
The Ancient Cemetery of Tzfat
This informative, yet basic, slideshow (01:25) presents the history of the ancient cemetery in Tzfat, a pilgrimage site due to the many righteous sages buried here. It provides basic information about
The Annual Tzfat Klezmer Festival Brings this Historical City to Life
Check out the Tzfat Klezmer Festival with this video concert [02:42], performed by the eclectic “Israel Klezmer Orchestra” in August, 2019. Klezmer musicians from Israel and around the world bring the ancient
The History & Essence of the Mystical City of Tzfat
This i24NEWS segment (03:36) introduces the Holy City of Tzfat, including its history as a center of Jewish mysticism and Kabbalah, the economic and spiritual Golden Age of Tzfat in
History, Nature & Spirituality in the Biriya Forest
This i24NEWS segment (05:20) explores how the Galilee became the economic and spiritual center of the Jewish people following the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, with a focus
The Life & Death of Joseph Trumpeldor
Produced by Rabbi Oran Zweiter as part of his “This Week in Jewish History” YouTube series, this informative video (03:22) tells the story of the life and death of Joseph
The History and Battle of Tel Hai
From the website of the Gems in Israel Tour Company, this article tells the story of Tel Hai, one of the first four Jewish settlements in the Galilee and site of
The Legacy of Tel Hai: To Live or Die for our Country?
Created by The Kibbutz Institute for Festivals and Holidays, an educational organization committed to the formation of a Jewish-Zionist-humanist culture in Israel based on the Jewish festivals, this video (02:00) explores the
The Roaring Lion Monument
This photograph below depicts the Roaring Lion Monument erected in memory of the eight defenders who fell in the iconic Battle of Tel Hai on March 1, 1920. Located in the
The History of Rosh Pina: From the Mid-19th Century Until Today
From the website of the Pina Balev tourist suites in Rosh Pina, this article summarizes the history and geography of the “mother of the Galilee settlements,” located on the slopes
Shlomo Ben Yosef: A Betar Youth Hung by the British
From the website of the Betar Revisionist Zionist Youth Movement, this article tells the story of Shlomo Ben Yosef, a Betar youth member who was hung by the British in
Tree Planting in Rosh Pina Commemorating the Pittsburgh Synagogue Massacre
From the website of KKL-JNF, this article describes the moving ceremony in which eleven olive trees were planted in the Rosh Pina community forest in commemoration of the eleven victims of
From Gei Oni to Rosh Pina: A Story of Trial & Error
From the website of the World Zionist Organization’s Zionist Quiz venture, this article tells the story of Rosh Pina from the late 19th century through the early 20th century. Originally established
The Settlement of Rosh Pina During the First Aliyah
Featuring tour guide David Wexler, this informative video (01:50) tells the story of Israel’s early pioneers who settled Rosh Pina, the first Jewish agricultural village in Israel, during the First
Har Shaul Scenic Lookout & the Biblical Story of the Downfall of King Saul
This dramatized video (04:49) from the History Channel tells the biblical story of the death of King Saul and his son, Jonathan, in the battle with the Philistines on Mount
The Christian History of Nazareth
Produced by Pastor Dr. Todd Michael Fink, this video (10:53) provides a virtual tour of Nazareth, the village where Mary learned she would be the mother of the messiah and
The Old City of Nazareth
Produced by the Christian Media Center, this video (02:55) takes viewers on a virtual tour of the Old City of Nazareth, including the Arab Market, the Synagogue Church, and the
The Church of the Annunciation
A slideshow of photographs with onscreen explanations, this video (04:35) introduces the history, architecture and significance of the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth, the site where Mary was told
Celebrating Christmas in Nazareth
Including interviews with Christian tourists and pilgrims from around the world, this video (03:49) describes the unique atmosphere and festivities of Christmas in Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus and “the place
Nazareth: History, Culture & Coexistence
Produced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this video (01:43) highlights the history and culture of the Nazareth, the largest Arab city in Israel and a model of coexistence.
Nazareth: A Hub of Tech & Coexistence
Produced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this video (02:24) highlights some tech startups that have emerged from Nazareth, a leading high-tech hub that serves as a model for diversity
The History & Development of Upper Nazareth
This article tells the story behind the city of Upper Nazareth, officially established in 1962 as part of David Ben Gurion’s efforts to create a Jewish majority in the predominantly
Upper Nazareth Changes Name to Nof Hagalil
This news segement (01:06) shares how and why the Jewish city of Upper Nazareth officially changed its name to Nof Hagalil (“View of the Galilee|), following years of confusion with
The Aliyah of Bnei Menashe From India
From i24NEWS, this video (02:40) tells the fascinating story of the Bnei Menashe community from northeast India, believed to be descendants of the Tribe of Menashe, one of the Ten
KKL-JNF Houses for Excellence: A Unique Informal Education Project
Produced by KKL-JNF, this video (02:52) introduces the KKL-JNF House for Excellence in Upper Nazareth, an informal educational initiative that aims to empower the youth of Israel’s periphery. The House in Upper Nazareth
Lavi Forest
This post introduces the Lavi Forest in the Galilee, initially planted by KKL-JNF in the 1950s, including a video (01:05) showing highlights of the area and a thorough article outlining
Tourist Attractions in the Haifa Region
This article presents a roundup of the best attractions in Haifa and the surrounding areas, including holy shrines, museums, parks, beaches, archaeological sits and national landmarks, and interesting neighbourhoods to wander around. With
Coexistence in Haifa: The Holiday of Holidays Festival
Produced by Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this video (02:42) highlights the diverse city of Haifa as a symbol of religious coexistence through the annual “Holiday of Holidays” festival, where
The Baha’i Gardens in Haifa
Produced by Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this video (03:47) introduces the Baha’i Gardens in Haifa, a UN World Heritage Site located on the slopes of Mount Carmel. The Baha’i
Historical Overview of Akko’s Old City
Put out by ISRAEL21c, this historical overview (3:24) of the Old City of Akko brings 5,000 years of history to life. Learn about the ancient crusader city that was literally
Welcome to Akko: From Ancient Sites to Modern Marketplaces
This video (02:31) briefly introduces the city of Akko, highlighting its ancient history, archaeological sites, diverse population, and the historic outdoor market, famous for its produce, spices, pastries and fresh fish
Walking Through the Old City of Akko
Take a quick tour of Akko‘s Old City in this clip (3:01) from The Watchman with Erick Stakelbeck. Akko is a unique city rich in Jewish, Muslim, and Christian history.
The Secrets of the Old City of Akko
Produced by the Old Acre Development Company and the Ministry of Tourism, this creative video (08:35) blends video footage and animation to take viewers on a journey through the Old
The Akko Prison Break (1947)
Produced by i24NEWS, this video (02:06) tells the dramatic story of the Akko Prison Break, an operation carried out by the Irgun on May 4, 1947, when 27 Irgun and
The Ideology & Activities of the Irgun/Etzel
Including interviews with a former Irgun member and global terrorism experts, this video (09:28) introduces the ideology and actions of the Irgun, a Zionist paramilitary organization that operated in the
The Baha’i Gardens in Akko
This video (02:30) shows aerial footage of the beautiful Baha’i Gardens in Akko, which surround the mansion where Bahá’u’lláh, the prophet and founder of the Bahá’í faith, lived during the final
Akko: Ancient History Meets a Vibrant Culinary Scene
This quick vignette (2:22) introduces the unique city of Akko which is as ancient and historical as it is hip and modern. Known for both its historical sites and modern
Mikulov Park in Katzrin
From the website of KKL-JNF, this article describes Mikulov Park in Katzrin, the capital city of the Golan Heights. A recreational green space developed with the support of friends of
Katzrin: The Ancient Talmudic Village & Synagogue
Filmed by a tour guide, this video (02:48) shows tourists walking through the ancient Jewish village and synagogue at the archaeological site of Katzrin in the Golan Heights. With onscreen
Rediscovering the Ancient Golan at The Golan Archaeological Museum
From the Biblical Archaeology Review Journal, this article highlights some of the important archaeological finds on display at the Golan Archaeological Museum in Katzrin. With artifacts dating back to the
Har Adir Observation Point: In Memory of Fallen Soldiers from the Second Lebanon War
From the website of KKL-JNF, this article introduces the Har Adir observation point in the Galilee commemorating the 121 IDF soldiers who lost their lives during the Second Lebanon War
A Million Stars: A Song in Memory of the Fallen Soldiers of the Second Lebanon War
This video presents a slideshow of pictures from the Har Adir observation point along with the song “A Million Stars,” sung by Amit Farkash in memory of her brother, Captain
The Battle of the Valley of Tears
In this dramatic video (06:10), Messianic Minister Ron Cantor, retells the miraculous story of how Israel defeated Syria in one of the greatest tank battles in history: the Battle of
Chava Alberstein / Naomi Shemer: All We Pray For (Lu Yehi)
Written by Naomi Shemer at the beginning of the Yom Kippur War as a prayer that the soldiers would return home in peace, this song captured the emotions of an
Golan Trail: From the Ein Zivan Recreation Area to Bab al-Hawa
From the website of KKL-JNF, this thorough article describes Section Five of the Golan Trail, which begins at the Ein Zivan recreation area, ascends to the summit of Mount Bental,
Tzippori Forest: Israel during the Talmudic Period
From the website of KKL-JNF, this article introduces the history and features of the Tzippori Forest Scenic Trail, a 16 km path which runs along the Tzippori River in the
The Tzippori Synagogue Mosaic
From the American PBS television broadcasting website, this article provides photographs and explanations of the detailed mosaic work discovered on the floor of the ancient synagogue in Tzippori, the political and
Usha: The First Seat of the Sanhedrin in the Galilee
Produced by the Israel Antiquities Authority in Hebrew with English subtitles, this video (01:52) shares the significance of the archaeological remains of Usha, a Galilean village that became the first
Tzippori: The Ancient Capital of the Galilee
Produced by the Israel Antiquities Authority in Hebrew with English subtitles, this video (02:03) explores the archaeological site of Tzippori, the political and religious capital of the Galilee following the
The Sanhedrin Train: An Interactive Hiking Trail Across the Galilee
This video (07:17) introduces The Sanhedrin Trail, an interactive 70 km long path dedicated in honor of the State of Israel’s 70th birthday, celebrating the cultural heritage, nature, archaeology and
KKL-JNF: Moving Forward With the Galilee
From the website of Karen Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund, Israel’s largest green organization, this site summarizes the organization’s activities in the Galilee, including projects in the fields of water management,
Jabotinsky Shuni Park: History, Culture & Nature
Written by Sarina Roffé, JNF Director of Communications, this informative article shares the history and attractions of the Jabotinsky Shuni Park, excavated and renovated by KKL-JNF. Located between Binyamina and Zichron Yaakov,
Best Attractions in and Around the Galilee
Explore Israel’s beautiful and historically-rich North with veteran tour guide Marty Friedlander in a Haaretz article called ‘From the Sea of Galilee to the Bahai: Where to Go in the North
Golan Heights: History & Overview
This article from the Jewish Virtual Library presents a historical overview of the Golan heights from biblical through modern times, a description of the local Druze and Jewish population groups, an
Shrinking Sea of Galilee Has Some Hoping for a Miracle
This article from i24NEWS warns readers of the shrinking of the Sea of Galilee (also known as the Kinneret), often seen as a symbol of Israel’s water challenges. Citing drought, irrigated
Music
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Jazz Masters Bobby McFerrin and Chick Corea Live
In this clip (3:53) watch two modern Jazz legends — Chick Corea and Bobby McFerrin — improvise on the piano at a live performance at the Shuni Amphitheater in Binyamina.
Infected Mushroom with Mayumana Live at Shuni
This is a snippet (5:50) from Israeli psytrance duo Infected Mushroom‘s pair-up with the acclaimed dance/percussion troupe Mayumana at the Shuni Amphitheater in 2015. Haifa-based Infected Mushroom has been one of
Eric Burdon’s Almost-Cancelled Israeli Performance
The Shuni Amphitheater has seen some memorable performances over the years, like Eric Burdon‘s 2013 performance shown in this clip (4:45). The amphitheater was built as part of the KKL-JNF’s
What Else?
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Haifa Walking Tours
This post presents resources for interesting free and private tours exploring the sites, food and nature of Haifa. The featured video introduces the Haifa Street Food Tour, a private tour of
Haifa Municipality: Culture, Leisure and Sports
This article from the Haifa Municipality website for English-speaking immigrants provides information about culture, leisure and sports in the city, including entertainment, libraries, museums, community centers, tourist attractions, parks, sports
Upcoming Events & Attractions in Haifa
This post provides four different resources to find upcoming cultural events and attractions in Haifa, including festivals, concerts, lectures, art exhibits and more. 1. Haifa Tourist Board Festival Page The Haifa
Top 18 Things to Do in Haifa for Free
This article from ISRAEL21c presents a roundup of the best free attractions that Haifa has to offer, including holy shrines and places of worship, beautiful views, gardens and beaches, museums and
How to Stay Fit in Haifa
This post offers links to all of the fitness centers you need to stay active and fit during your time in Haifa. 1. Haifa Sports Centers Haifa has several major
Haifa Maps: Attractions & Public Transportation Routes
This post provides several useful maps for visitors to Haifa – an English map presenting local sites and attractions, an English map of the Metronit Light Rail Routes, and a
Where to Eat Shabbat Meals in Haifa
This post offers information about how you can get set up for Shabbat meals in Haifa. Please note that some are free events at private homes or public centers, while
Public Transportation in Haifa
This article from EL AL provides everything you need to know to get around Haifa using public transportation, including busses, trains, the light-rail, service taxis, and the country’s only underground train system.
