Nov. 4, 2022
It is important to understand the geography of the Middle East. At the Israel-Lebanon border, I was closer to Beirut (120 km) than to Jerusalem (205 km).
Running up through the middle of Israel is a mountain range, with the pinnacle being mount Carmel. This mountain range goes north into the sea with a conclusion that includes a grotto. The mountain range also separates Israel and Lebanon at this point. At the border crossing, the train route – that used to connect Haifa with Beirut – is sealed off … the last time the gate was opened was in 2008 for a prisoner exchange where Lebanese and Palestinians were exchanged for two Israeli soldiers’ bodies.