Israeli War Memorials in the North of Israel

November 11th 2019

The north of Israel has seen its fair share of conflict and war. From the long-forgotten battles between ancient empires (such as at Tel Megiddo) to the military confrontations still within living memory (including the Six-Day War), the northern hills have seen it all. 

And it’s in this region where numerous war memorials can be found, specifically for battles fought by the modern State of Israel – and its brave Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). These memorials are dedicated to the courageous fallen who stood and fought when duty called. 

Their sacrifices contributed to the independence, liberty, security, and prosperity the Jewish State enjoys today. And as such, we think you’ll agree that these Israeli war memorials are a must-visit when touring the north. 

We often take our guests to the following: 

Tel Facher Military Base

Today Tel Facher is a museum and memorial. It was once a Syrian military base which wreaked havoc on Jewish kibbutzim and settlements in the valley below. During the Six-Day War in 1967, the IDF captured the hilltop and the rest of the strategic Golan Heights. 

Visitors to the base can view the network of bunkers and trenches which the Israeli soldiers overcame, as well as the names of soldiers who fell in the battle. In particular, the story of the heroic David Shirazzi, who knowingly sacrificed his life for his comrades. 

Metzudat Koach

In the northern Galilee is a memorial to 28 Palmach fighters who died during Israel’s War of Independence in 1948. Metzudat Koach was a strategic British police fort overlooking the Hula Valley which, when overtaken by Arab forces, posed a grave threat to numerous nearby Zionist communities.  

The young Palmach fighters secured the fort and helped enable the State of Israel to be born. Today, you can view the memorial dedicated to the brave 28 and the nearby stunning panorama of the Hula Valley and Golan. 

Second Lebanon War Memorial

In the very far north of Israel, just south of Metula, is Kibbutz Kfar Giladi. It’s located on the Israel-Lebanon border and features a memorial connected to the Second Lebanon War. While waiting to enter the battlefield, 12 Israeli soldiers were killed by a rocket fired from Lebanon. 

They were standing at the entrance to the local cemetery, where a key figure in Zionist history is buried. Occurring in 1920, 28 years prior to the establishment of Israel, Zionist leader Joseph Trumpeldor and his brave band of fighters successfully defended the kibbutz against hundreds of Syrian pillagers. 

When visiting Kfar Giladi you’ll learn about the tragedy, bravery, and connections behind both events, separated by a span of 86 years. 

Mitzpor Eitan Memorial & Lookout

The Mitzpor Eitan Memorial & Lookout is dedicated to a fallen soldier who lived in the nearby Moshav Ramot Naftali in the Galilee. It’s not unusual in Israel to find memorials dedicated to one soldier or a small group. They can be found throughout the country. 

Major Eitan Balachsun died while on duty in Lebanon in 1999. The memorial, also a lookout, tells his story and that of his paratrooper unit. It’s a special place from which to view the picturesque Hula Valley. 

The Valley of Tears

In 1973, during the Yom Kippur War, one of the biggest and bloodiest tank battles ever witnessed in Israel took place. Over 1000 Syrian tanks engaged just 160 Israeli tanks, with the latter emerging victorious. But sadly, at a devastating cost. Just seven Israeli tanks remained at the end. 

Today, ‘The Valley of Tears’ is a memorial and some of the tanks from the battle can still be seen rusting on the old battlefield. The valley, between Mount Hermon and Mount Bental, is a poignant and incredibly beautiful place to view.