Overview

This route stretches from Afula and the Jezreel Valley to Nazareth and Upper Nazareth. The area is a unique meeting ground for people of different religions, nationalities, and world views who maintain their relationship as good neighbors. The atmosphere, further from the Lebanese border, is tranquil, yet the long arm of the recent war – quite unexpectedly – reached this area as well. We begin by traveling through the valley toward Afula, at the same time learning about the swamps that once dotted this area, the fertile agricultural land that replaced them, and the landscape that surrounds us. The route passes through cities that are “capitals” of the Jezreel Valley region. We will then emerge from the valley to the reach the hills of Nazareth and end our tour in Nazareth’s Old City. We’ll interweave stories about the history and geography of this area with visits to small businesses and conversations with their owners.

Detailed route

The route begins on the “Sargel” Road (the “Ruler” Road, named for its straightness), and the tour focuses on the special significance, past and present, of the Jezreel Valley.

City of the Valleys and Out of Africa

At our first stop, Afula, we’ll hear the story of the small city at the juncture of two valleys (Jezreel and Jordan). The group will visit Ornit Novitz (#121) for a light humus meal (Kosher) at her fast-food concession (about NIS 20 per person).

At the Foot of Mt. Tabor

From Afula, we’ll travel to the home of Aliza Salomon (#122) in Kfar Tavor to view the beaded costume jewelry she designs. There, Hana Chileviz (#127) from Gan Ner village will also display her unique “light boxes” for storytelling to children and her digital photo albums. Then we’ll head to the Bedouin village of Shibli at the foot of Mt. Tabor, where we’ll be hosted by Aida Shibli (#123) in her Bedouin tent, and will see a display of stylish jewelry designed by Rotem Fishman (#99) from Afula.

A Burst of Creativity and a Setting to Inspire It

Our third stop is the city of Nazareth, where we’ll make three visits:

1.       Akbal Rizik (#108), who operates a holistic treatment clinic and prepares her own creams and aromatic mixes.

2.       Nasraweyat (#107) (“Women of Nazareth”), a group of Palestinian and Israeli widowed mothers who offer courses in sewing and embroidery and produce their own decorative and practical items.

3.       Lunch at a restaurant in the city and a visit to several small businesses.

How will it work?

The owners will wait for the group at Fountain Square (one of Nazareth most famous locations) accompany them to their places of business, and explain how to continue on to the next stop.

Old City businesses on the tour:

Yasmeen Makhloof (#100), a painter who lives in a uniquely styled home

Majida Ghneim (#102), a painter whose home is also of interest

Ruba Kardosh (#110), a jewelry and clothing designer

Kinana & Shadia Zoaby Lamirada (#109), stained glass makers

To cap off the day, the group will gather at the gallery of Imad Saleima (Director, Totzeret Hagalil), where we will be served light refreshments or food prepared by a small business enterprise. We’ll then enjoy a performance by the actor Loutof Nousser (#105) or a musical performance featuring oud player Khader Shama (#103) and a vocalist.