Page 10 - Holyland Magazine - 2021 Edition

recaptured by Israel in a joint operation of galleries, not to mention the Druze villages The Hermon in bloom. Photo: Midreshet Hagolan
the IDF brigades, after bitter and bloody of Majdal Shams, Mas’ade, Buq’ata and Ein guides
fighting. Qiniyye.
Most of Mount Hermon is a designated Speaking of Druze villages, picture this: PEhxotrteom: Heesrlmedodninsgit.e
nature reserve - and one of Israel’s most It’s Friday night, Majdal Shams is bustling XO restaurant
unique areas, by far. In winter, with its and beautifully lit, and a long line of cars Green Apple restaurant
snow covered peak, its majestic beauty is slowly moving along the main street,
can be admired from a great distance; and with neon signs beckoning you to pubs
in summer, it looks so very different, with and restaurants. If you always thought that
its slopes in full bloom, the rocky terrain Majdal Shams was just a sleepy village at
speckled with puddles of slush, and various the foot of Mount Hermon, well, think again.
species of butterflies dancing in the crystal- This northern Druze village offers clubs and
clear air. restaurants, bringing together people from all
walks of life, allowing you can also sample
Nature on Mount Hermon the famous nightlife of Majdal Shams.

Due to its height, low temperatures, rocky Why? Restaurant Cafe is located on the main
ground and gusty winds, Mount Hermon street of Majdal Shams. It draws a young
is characterized by a unique variety of crowd from the local villages, alongside
flora and fauna. You won’t find any large European tourists and party goers from the
mammals here, but you will be surrounded many kibbutzim and moshavim in the Golan
by butterflies, beetles and other insects. Heights and valleys of the area. The place
The flora here is interesting only after the started out as a restaurant and cocktail bar,
snow melts and the temperatures warm but soon changed its concept and now
up. You’ll see the beautiful orange-yellow offers great music and live gigs - the best
mountain-horned poppy, the pink Red DJs and bands perform here on a regular
Valerian bush, the lavender mountain lily, basis, bringing blues, jazz, reggae and Arab
the snow romulea that comes to life as the music to the area. The sleek bar has a wall
snow thaws, the yellow Hermon Madwort covered in old albums, from Bob Dylan to
and more. Bob Marley and other music legends. The
vibe is incredible, so much so that Why?
Mount Hermon Attractions Restaurant Cafe would not look out of place
even in a big city.
Mount Hermon holds a plethora of The Green Apple sits below Narkis, a
attractions and activities: booming boutique hotel right on the
l Snow - skiing, sledding and other winter highway leading to Mount Hermon. This
sports. is a classy restaurant, with an elegant and
l 950 meters (1,000 yards) of extreme modern European decor and a quality
mountain sledding, reaching up to 40 menu of food and beverages. Heavy doors
kph (25 mph) - both in winter and lead to a cavernous room, with a long
summer. designer bar, tables and private booths. If
l Cable car - during the snow season, not you thought this culinary visit to the Golan
just for skiers. In summer - transportation villages would amount to no more than
to Gvaot HaKrav (Battle Hills), with a hummus, lamb chops and fries at Nidal’s,
fabulous panoramic view. HaShalom Restaurant or Rin Alevanonit,
l A wealth of easy-to-challenging biking on Mas’ade’s main street, get ready for
trails coming down from the mountain a big surprise. The Green Apple serves
top. up delicious meat, along with quality fish
l Starting point for many hiking trails and seafood, as well as traditional Druze
within the nature reserve - including cooking. The decor is inviting, the food is
Mount Havushit and Katef Hermon, Man great and the atmosphere is wonderful -
Valley and Nahal Arar, Mount Shezif and highly recommended.
Mount Kahal (all hikes must be Keep driving on the main road, veering to the
coordinated in advance right and twisting towards Mount Hermon. On
through the Hermon Brigade). your right, you will see a fashionable black-
l Starting/finish point for part of the Golan and-white sign marked XO. Welcome to the
Trail - from Mount Hermon to Nimrod first-ever American-cum-Druze diner in the
(or vice versa). The trail is 8 km (5 miles) whole world. This ultra-modern American-
long, moderate to challenging, and style diner serves alcohol, and the menu has
requires transportation from the finish large and oh-so-tasty portions fit for two - an
point. excellent place to eat and hang out.
In the vicinity, you’ll also find the Nimrod So next time you think about taking a
Fortress National Park, as well as the small vacation - think Golan Heights!
communities of Nimrod and Neve Ativ, full
of restaurants, bed and breakfasts and art

10