An Israeli watery heaven on earth
Text and photos: Lydia Aisenberg
The sound of cascading water, constant birdsong and plethora of exotic plants basking in lush greenery, surrounded by expansive lawns and shaded picnic areas, are among just a few of the natural sounds, sights and sites to be discovered within one of Israel's most popular of National Parks, Gan Hashlosha.
Gan Hashlosha, also known as Sachne – Arabic for hot pools – sits nicely tucked in between the kibbutzim of Beit Alpha and Nir David, in a region that in recent times has officially been renamed Emek HaMayanot (Valley of Springs) and stretches across an extensive area at the foot of the Gilboa mountain range.
The park is also just a short journey from another of Israel's most visited National Parks, that of the ancient city of Beit Shean, which showcases magnificent ruins from the Roman and Byzantine periods.
Even closer to Gan Hashlosha is the Beit Alpha National Park, where an incredible mosaic floor, said to be one of the most beautiful discovered in Israel, can be viewed at the ancient synagogue at Hefzibah. After which one can then enjoy the absolute tranquility of the exotic Japanese garden – created by members of the Makuya movement in Japan and Israel, who have a close relationship with the Hefzibah kibbutz community.
For sure, in the Valley of Springs, visitors are spoilt for choice of special places to visit, sit, picnic, swim … ponder and become absorbed in the wonders of nature, while taking a stroll down a long, bumpy, historical memory lane stretching back thousands of years.
Gan Hashlosha, which translates to Garden of theThree, is a natural spring-filled heaven on earth. It is named after three Israelis who lost their lives in that area under the most tragic of circumstances.
Aharon Etkin, Haim Shturman and David Mosensohn were killed in 1938 when their car ran over a landmine, which was planted by Arabs during the 1936-1939 Arab uprising against the British Mandatory Government and the Jewish population of the land. Many years later, the park was developed and it was decided it should be named after them.
Etkin, Shturman and Mosensohn were actually surveying the land on behalf of the Jewish National Fund (JNF) at the time of their deaths. In the century since that tragedy, many of the most popular forests, vistas and swimming areas of today were subsequently developed by the JNF. Many of those areas were dedicated to Jewish communities abroad who raised the funds for these wondrous, priceless projects.
The Gan Hashlosha Park has been created around the spring of the Amal stream. The water that flows from this stream remains at an extremely inviting and very pleasant 28 degrees Celsius all year round.
There are a number of large pools, each leading to a powerful waterfall, 20 meters or so in height, and additional pools below. The area around is all attractively landscaped, with stone steps and guard rails in place, and where swimming is allowed, lifeguards are in attendance.
Large flat-faced stones have been laid across from bank to bank between the upper western series of pools, before dropping to the lower levels. Looking up from the lower levels, one gets the impression of folks literally walking on water above – a feat attributed usually to a gentleman who supposedly did just that across the Sea of Galilee!
The cascading water creates an ear-splitting, whooshing sound that echoes through the thick bushes and tall trees surrounding the fast-flowing waters, and is, although really loud, also somewhat soothing.
Throughout Gan Hashlosha one can find many fascinating tropical trees, bushes and plants, one of which is the African Kigelia. This most unusual product of Mother Nature is also known as the 'sausage tree.' The nickname is understandable when one sees the huge pieces of elongated fruit dangling on long strings like stalks from the branches. Apparently they can grow up to a meter in length and up to 18 centimeters wide, weighing many kilograms – somewhat dangerous if it falls on one's head for sure.
However, some extra reading on the Kigelia reveals that the fruit possesses many benefits when ripe, but is poisonous to us humans if eaten when not!
A visit to Gan Hashlosha (Sachne) after a hiatus of many years, especially during these tension-filled times in Israel, proved to be a fascinating, soothing and relaxing experience. After Googling the Kigelia, it also reminded me of the Garden of Eden, tempting fruits and all that!