The Golan Heights

The Golan Heights is a rocky plateau in northern Israel which has extremely important political significance because it borders Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. In 1967 during the Six-Day War, Israel seized this land that used to be in southern Syria and drew borders immediately. Israel also immediately started settling in the Golan, and now there are more than 30 Jewish and Arab settlements spread across the land. However, in 1973 Syria tried to retake the Golan but failed and in 1974 both countries signed an armistice and UN forces placed a ceasefire.

These two snow cats were purchased by my dad in the 60's to maintain the ski resort

The Golan Heights is most importantly known for its strategic position. Southern Syria is clearly visible from the tops of these mountains. When I was there I could clearly see all the land of Syria and Lebanon without obstruction. This gives Israel a huge advantage when trying to defend the country. However, this is why the border is so dangerous because these mountains give a huge strategic advantage over Syria and Lebanon. This topography also adds an extra layer of defense that Israel did not have when fighting in the Golan in the Six-Day War.

My dad and I sitting on one of the chair lifts he built during the 60's

My Dad was a soldier fighting in the Golan at this time and he has talked about how hard it was to push Syria back because they had the mountains to push back too. The area is also a key source of water and flows into the Jordan River. This rainwater gives the land a source of water and nutrients which makes it very fertile and easy for agricultural growth. Even though Israel offered to give them back most of the Golan, Syria is persistent in bringing back the borders they had at the start of the Six-Day War which makes Israel very vulnerable to future attacks.

While I was visiting I was informed there were still active Syrian weapons in the form of landmines. These lethal devices are literally everywhere and you cannot go in certain areas because they have not been cleared yet. Alongside these mines are Syrian bunkers and soldier bases that are spread out around the Golan Heights. These mines and bunkers serve as a constant reminder of what Israel fought for in the ‘60s.