Israel Ashad Details Creation of Golan Trail Despite Military and Environmental Challenges

Israel Ashad, a co-founder of the Eliad moshav and a key initiator of the Golan Trail, shared the story behind the trail's establishment in an interview for the Heritage Ministry and Israel Heritage Sites Council's "Documenting the Pioneers and Founders of Settlement" project. This initiative aims to preserve the history of settlement across various regions of Israel through hundreds of interviews, including areas like the Jordan Valley, Judea, Samaria, Benjamin, the Golan, and the Galilee.

Ashad explained that the Golan Trail was initially not a priority when he began his role, but the discovery that the Israel National Trail did not extend into the Golan Heights prompted a shift. Due to insistence on keeping the Israel Trail within the Green Line, the Golan Trail was elevated in importance and began to be marked. Ashad designed the route considering significant constraints, including military firing zones and nature reserves, which forced the trail into a surprisingly attractive path that was not originally planned.

Originally, the trail was intended to start at Mount Hermon and end at Hamat Gader, but these endpoints were shortened due to restrictions. Ashad anticipated major obstacles from the military because of minefields and training areas. However, after meeting with then-Division Commander Brigadier General Eli Reiter, Ashad found the military cooperative and solutions were provided to all issues, with offers of further assistance.

The Golan Trail was inaugurated in June 1997, shortly before Ashad completed a comprehensive guidebook for the trail, which he regards with pride. The interview is part of a broader project documenting the stories of Israel’s settlement pioneers.