#Pakal_Kafe: Ein Varda
Here's an interesting fact about Israelis - They like to take a #Pakal_Kafe with them on hikes in nature, or when they visit their nearby ma'ayan (spring). (or sometimes use them at home!)
Why do you ask? Well, simply because there is nothing more Israeli than enjoying the outdoors with a nice steaming glass of fresh coffee (*Don't worry, there is always emergency tea for the non-coffee drinkers).
>>> So we @iKonnect decided to hop on this trend!
The story
Situated in the middle of the Gezer area, just minutes away from Latrun, is the Ein Varda natural spring. This little wonder of a pool sits right beneath a giant fig tree, providing its visitors with cool shade on the hot summer days.
Thousands of years ago, the spring was the only source of fresh water for the ancient city of Tel Gezer.
The pond's area was recently refurbished and cleaned up, and it now serves as a memorial site, commemorating IDF soldier Itay Steinberger who was killed in the Second Lebanon War.
- Itay Steinberger's (Z"L) Story -
Born May 10th, 1985 in Jerusalem and raised in Karmei Yosef. Itay was drafted into the IDF in January 2004. He began his service in the Flight Course and later moved on to the Armored Brigade Commando Unit. When the Second Lebanon War broke out in July of 2006, Itay's company participated in the heavy battles. On August 12th, 2006, Itay was killed while evacuating injured soldiers under heavy fire. His body was buried in the Karmei Yosef cemetery. One year later, Itay received the Head of the Northern Regional Command Citation for his heroic actions.
What to expect?
Ein Varda is a round little pool and has plenty of shade from a large fig tree, but during the summer days, you should still make sure to bring sunscreen and a hat. The whole area was cleaned and serves as a memorial site, so please make sure to keep it clean. The pool always has water but it's at its peak during the winter and the spring.
What you need to know!
During the winter the fig tree has no leaves, so if it's sunny there isn't much shade.
The road to the spring passes by orchards - make sure you DON'T GO THROUGH THEM without the owner's permission.
Payment & hours: Free and unlimited hours
Distance from the parking lot: right nearby
Best season to visit: Spring, Winter, Summer
Family-friendly? Yes
Directions
- Enter Karmei Yosef and turn left onto Gefen St.
-Continue driving on Gefen St. until you reach a fork in the road, where the sign will say - turn left to Tel Gezer, turn right to Ein Varda.
- Turn right and continue on the road past the Gezer river, Ein Varda should be right to your left.
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