exploring the ruins of Latrun

Studying the story of Samson

Harvested wheat fields like those Samson set on fire

Looking out over the valley where David fought Goliath

Stalactite Cave

Tmol Shilshom

Day 12 Thursday

Lovely cool weather in Israel! After temperatures at 40C/110F yesterday, we spent almost all day under overcast skies and highs about 25C/80F. What a welcome welcome relief!! Walking home from dinner tonight we could have used jackets :).

Today had a gentler pace. We began at a decaying crusader fortress at Latrun. It hasn’t been restored, but we could explore certain areas and some in the group even found the large hall which is below ground level at this point. Interesting that, as a high point, it was also a place that the Israelis fought hard for in the war for Independence (and weren’t able to take), finally winning it from the Arabs in the 6 Day War in ’67. The land, the strategic high points don’t change.

Mostly, we explored the tels along the Shephela, the ridge along fertile lands between the coast and the Judaen highlands. We looked out over Timnah and talked about Samson and the Philistines, and at the Tel Azekah we looked out over the valley where David fought Goliath. Once again the importance of understanding the land and controlling key high points to control trade routes and the access to fertile land and water supply. More and more we realize that the land itself is an all important “character” in the story of Israel and the people.

We had some extra time so we made an impromptu visit to a national park that is a stalactite cave discovered only recently when they were blasting at a quarry. Amazing amazing formations!

One of the sad realities of this land continues to be the tension between the Palestinians, Arabs and the Israelis. Last night on the way back from dinner we stopped to do a little shopping at an Israeli Arab shop and got into an interesting discussion with a young Arab Israeli who is studying to be an engineer. He was saying, “I have all kinds of friends, we play football together, we want peace. It is the politicians who can’t get along.” Yet, there is also anger here, and frustration. Palestinian men will walk arm in arm in a thick group to protest something and the the army and police will appear in full riot gear to close off streets and be a menacing presence. We encountered some of that on the way home tonight and we were forced to use a different parking lot and walk into the old city. That part of this trip makes me so sad. Heaven will surely be when all God’s children can live in peace.

The evening ended at Aaron’s favorite restaurant/coffeehouse Tmol Shilshom. Everyone gathered around the table together for wonderful food and conversation.

Friday is our last day here. A free day to rest, shop, do any last tourist visits. It will be hard to say “good-bye” Each person has become so very dear to us.