Gil Gertel and Noam Even
operate The "Didactic Team",
which specializes in planning and developing methods,
which bestow educational messages to, designated
communities. Its specialty is working with museums,
theme parks and outdoor learning.
A number of the sites mentioned in this issue are
located around the village of Abu Gosh. Notre Dame Arche
De’Alliance is in the village itself and the Zvi
Monument, and the Military Cemetery at Kibbutz Kiryat
Anavim are both only a short ride from the village
center. By the time you finish visiting these sites, you
will most likely be ready for something to eat. If
possible, visit here during the week. On weekends, local
tourists crowd the village and its surroundings.
The Arab village of Abu Gosh was established in 1520.
It is named after the Abu Gosh family and almost all the
villagers are their descendents. Originally, the people
were probably Caucasians who came from the mountains of
the Caucasus. The villagers are well known for the
friendly, close relationship they have with their
neighboring Jewish inhabitants. For many generations the
village has provided a stopover for pilgrims and
travelers on their way to Jerusalem, and it was at this
site they paid a toll fee for their transit.
After Shoeva Junction, the modern road to Jerusalem
passes a high ramp that bridges the mountains. Drive
along part of the old road, which cuts through the Arab
village of Abu Gosh. To do this you have to turn left
(northwards) according to the signpost.
Along the length of this road, there are a number of
Middle Eastern restaurants, that feature Houmus and
Tehina, stuffed vegetables, and charcoal-grilled
meats.
The first restaurant is at the gas station about 300
yards (meters) after leaving the highway. The owners of
the place are sworn Elvis Presley fans. His photographs
decorate all the walls of the restaurant and two statues
of the singer are placed near the entrance.
Many
Israeli notables have been and still are welcomed at The
Lebanese Restaurant (Hamisada Halevanonit) which is the
last restaurant situated at the end the village. It is
built around an ancient mulberry tree. The restaurant’s
clientele prefers dinning under the shade of its
branches. The tree produces green fruit on one side and
black fruit on the other. The polished stone table under
the tree was a place for numerous discussions and
agreements between many different people over the years,
including Moshe Sharrett, Moshe Dayan and other
dignitaries.
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