On the way to Eilat? The new view that you shouldn't miss

Many Israelis make their way to Eilat in the summer months and usually look to make one or two stops along the endless road of the Arava Highway. This week, after a revival of about three months, the Nof Tzofar observatory was inaugurated in the Middle Arava. The lookout is located on the hill Har Tzofar near Route 90 and north of Moshav Tzofar, and is open to visitors free of charge. 

The dedication ceremony of the observatory, which was supposed to take place in May, was postponed due to the disaster that befell the moshav, the fall of three of its sons in Gaza during the Swords of Iron War: Staff Sergeant Ido Apple z"l, Staff Sergeant Gali Shakotai z"l, and Staff Sergeant Roi Elias z"l.

The initiative to establish the observatory is that of Sasson Elias, one of the founders of Tzofar, who aspired to establish an observatory at this spectacular point of view for the benefit of the community, travelers and visitors to the Arava.

As part of the development work at the site, a 1 km long circular access path for pedestrians was arranged, lined with local stones, a huge 15-ton "conglomerate" rock was brought and placed at the observation point, and fire-colored Nubian sandstones and flint stones were collected from various places near the seat, rocks were also brought South of Mount Hebron that were placed in the form of a half-threshing floor.

Four seating areas cast in concrete were erected on the site, and tables with colorful ceramic rings, and above them round shade umbrellas made of iron, decorated with a representation in the form of acacia trees. Next to these, human figures made of iron were placed, as well as direction signs and an explanation of the history of Moshav Tzofar. 

From the lookout, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the desert landscapes, Moshav Tzofar and its agricultural areas, the Arava valley to the east and north, the Zinim cliff to the west, and to the other side of the border with Jordan and the historic "Tzofar enclave", originally an agricultural area under the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Jordan, which was worked by the residents of Tzofar along 36 years, as part of the peace agreement between Israel and the Kingdom of Jordan.

The enclave spread over 1112 acres of agricultural land, and in 2020 at the end of the lease years and according to the agreement, it was returned to the Kingdom of Jordan, with great regret.

How to get there: drive on road 90 (Arava road), and before the entrance gate of Moshav Tzofar, turn right according to the mosaic sign and drive for about 1 km, then turn left according to the direction of the signage and drive another 2 km, to the observation point.