Kibbutz Ortal resumes hosting tourists after setback

Kibbutz Ortal, located in the northern Golan Heights, announced this morning (Wednesday) the renewal of its tourism and hospitality activities, following the declaration of a ceasefire and after a challenging period of 14 months of war. The kibbutz's tourism booking system opened this morning, and the phones have already started ringing.

"As we established the kibbutz 43 years ago after the Yom Kippur War, the current generation is also committed to rebuilding and renewing, and the area will thrive once again," says Yaron Levy, chairman of Ortal Tourism and the head of the kibbutz's economic center, a close friend of Nir and Noa Baranes, who were killed by a rocket strike on their car as they were returning home to the kibbutz a few months ago.

"We woke up to an optimistic morning in the kibbutz. With great excitement, we are resuming hosting during the most beautiful season of the year," Levy adds. "After the tragedy that struck our community in July, with the deaths of Nir and Noa Baranes, may their memory be a blessing, we are strong and united, and we will grow from this breakdown. During this year, we continued to build, even under fire, our glamping site, which will open in the coming months. I hope that many Israelis will be able to enjoy the experience here and throughout the Golan in its most beautiful season."

At the Ortal Tourism booking center, there are reports of huge demand for vacations starting this coming weekend, with hundreds of Israelis wanting to strengthen, support, and visit the awakening region. The kibbutz is prepared to welcome tourists and visitors to the guest cabins located with a view of the lush Golan, next to horse stables, the Tel Shifon Winery, and a new boutique cheese dairy that also opened in the midst of the war.

"In the most beautiful season of the year, with the blessed rains that have hit Israel over the past week, we invite the public to come, strengthen, support, and enjoy the beauty of the Golan," concludes Levy.