As part of the touching ceremony in the presence of the LDA Director Yaron Ohayon, Director of the Northern Region, Shally Ben Ishai, Dolan Abu Salach, Head of the Local Council of Majdal Shams, the Upper Galilee-Golan Regional Director Eli Haputa, employees of KKL-JNF and guests of the local authority.
The new park, at the center of which is an active recreational facility, tables and an observation point over Hula Valley and the Galilee, is intended for use by the public at large and visitors of the forest. This is part of KKL-JNF's activities to improve the visiting experience in the Majdel Shams Forest. There are also hiking trails there that link to the Kaakan Wellspring.
The Majdel Shams Forest is one of the unique forests in our country, spreading across 156 dunam, and has five seasonal wellsprings. It is the northernmost planted forest in Israel. Thanks to the tremendous elevation of Mount Hermon, ancient rock layers were exposed in the forest including variegated marlstones from the Jurassic period (about 150 million years ago). Many species of natural grove trees and conifers grow in the forest, next to a wide variety of rare plants. In addition, there are an abundance of insects and seeds in the forest that serve as food for songbirds, some of which nest there.
Meital Katzir, Public Reception Coordinator Upper Galilee and Golan at KKL-JNF: "Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael - Jewish National Fund invests a great deal of effort to cultivate and conserve the forests in Israel. The new park in Majdel Shams Forest constitutes a significant addition to the forest, which is one of the most special forests in Israel. Come and enjoy the magical forest and all its many attractions: a breathtaking panorama, shaded picnic tables, inactive recreational facility and hiking trails for a multi-age experience".
Photograph: Michael Huri, the KKL-JNF Photograph Archive