Glimpses of Israel - Kiryat Shemona

Located on the eastern slopes of the Naftali Mountains in northern Israel, Kiryat Shemona lies at the ancient crossroads linking Israel with Lebanon to the west, and Syria to the north. To the east are the Hulah Valley and the Golan Heights.

Founded in 1949 Kiryat Shemona, meaning village of eight, was named in memory of Joseph Trumpeldor and his seven comrades who fell defending Tel Hai in 1920.

Whilst Kiryat Shemona is a modern city, the region has undergone numerous changes since ancient times.

In the days when Israel took possession of the Land, Joshua led Israel to victory as far as the city of Hazor, 25 kilometres (15 miles) south of Kiryat Shemona. According to their inheritance, the tribe of Dan eventually took possession and founded the city of Dan, 10 kilometres (6 miles) north of Kiryat Shemona.

The region prospered during the reigns of David and Solomon. Then King Jeroboam, the first monarch of the northern kingdom, set up the infamous golden calf in the city of Dan, to be an alternative centre of worship to the Temple in Jerusalem.

With the reestablishment of the State in 1948 came the threat of invasion and the subsequent regular bombardment from hostile neighbours. Today, the guns have been silenced. Three captured Syrian tanks painted in bright colours stand as a memorial of Israeli victories over the advancing enemy.

The development of Kiryat Shemona fluctuated in the early years but in recent times it has

experienced significant growth with an influx of new residents – immigrants from the former Soviet Union.

Today, boasting its own airport, Kiryat Shemona is an integral part of the region's development, as well as providing a vital hub to many popular tourist sites which include Tel Dan, Nature Reserves, the Dan River and other natural springs, Banias, Hazor, Mt Hermon, and the Good Fence (Israel-Lebanon border).

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