Metula, Israel’s northernmost settlement, is marking its 130th year while trying to bring back visitors and local income after prolonged fighting badly damaged its tourism sector. The local council will launch a new tour series called “Between War and Hope” and hold a summer event this Friday on historic HaRishonim Street.
Local council head David Azoulay told ynet’s studio that tourism in the border town has been severely hit. “We make our living from tourism and agriculture, and the tourism story is simply bleeding completely,” he said. “We are trying to invent all kinds of things, and everything depends on the security situation.” He added that the effort is unfolding against the tense security reality on the northern border and criticized the government’s conduct regarding Lebanon, saying the current situation cannot continue indefinitely.
Azoulay said he will personally guide the new tours, which begin at the historic municipal building, described as the oldest municipal building in Israel. The tour will cover the town’s history, include material about the Iron Swords war and videos showing what happened there, and then move to the border area with Lebanon. “Every tour is educational,” he said. He also highlighted Metula’s fruit harvest season, saying the area is lush, surrounded by nature, and offering strong viewpoints.
The route will also include HaRishonim Street, which has been restored over the past year and a half, along with other historic buildings in the colony. The council says visits are currently allowed according to Home Front Command instructions. On Friday, June 26, a summer event will run from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with an artists’ fair, jewelry stalls, household goods, pastries and Sabbath cakes, plus local businesses, music, a DJ, and a street party open to the public. Registration for the free tours is available through the Metula local council’s Facebook page.