Nazareth was captured by the troops of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1799, during his Syrian campaign. Napoleon took the time to visit the holy sites and then moved on to new conquests… This is what Nazareth looked like a little less than one hundred years after Napoleon visited: And this is what Nazareth looks like when … Continue reading
Looking deep into Syria from an abandoned bunker on top of Mount Bental: It is worthwhile for one to make their way to the top of Mount Bental for the views alone… After all, this inactive volcano delivers great views of Lebanon, Israel, Syria, Mount Hermon, Mount Avital and the infamous Quneitra. However, summiting Mount … Continue reading
The Bible is full of references to Megiddo, but the one that captures everyone’s attention is the identification of Megiddo in the New Testament Book of Revelation as the host for Armageddon (Revelation 16:16). Yes, this is the site that Saint John predicted would host the last great battle between the forces of good and … Continue reading
This is the lowest freshwater lake on Earth and the second-lowest lake in the world (after the Dead Sea)… The lake is fed partly by underground springs, but its main source is the Jordan River which flows through it from north to south. And one of the primary sources for the Jordan River, of course, … Continue reading
Mount Hermon looms in the background on the road to the Druze village of Majdal Shams: Majdal Shams is surrounded by apple and cherry orchards and with Mount Hermon serving as a constant backdrop, the drive up can be quite scenic… Since the 1967 Six-Day War, the village has been controlled by Israel. However, the … Continue reading
On the very edge of the Lebanese border one can find the town of Metula – Israel’s northernmost settlement… That’s all Lebanon past the tank: Established by the Rothschild family at the end of the 19th century under controversial circumstances, Metula was situated in an area under French control after World War I. However, under … Continue reading
One evening while taking a very long walk along the Sinai coast of the Red Sea, we came across these Bedouins making tea along the beach. What was remarkable was that we were miles from any sign of civilization – it was as if these Bedouins had just materialized out of the desert like phantoms: … Continue reading
The Velvet Rocket 