Servas Israel celebrates the International Peace Day 21 September 2023 in Jish (Gush Halav), Israel.

In honor of International Peace Day, 30 members of Servas Israel visited and toured in the village Gush Halav in the northern Galilee. We were met there by George Simaan, an accomplished musician and storyteller who took us on a tour of the ancient center of the town, pointing out his favorite places alongside stories of the history of Gush Halav.

Gush Halav, (known by the locals as Jish) literally translated as a block of milk got its name because of its unique white rocks and fertile lands. Seven layers of excavation reveal that it was first inhabited 5000 years ago but became renowned as a center of Jewish life 2000 years ago.

Today Jish has a majority of Christian Maronites living peacefully together with Moslems and Greek Catholics. Only a few kilometers from the Lebanese border, it was a customary spot to rest and change donkeys on the trade route.

George who was born Christian has committed himself to bringing people of all faiths together with his “religion of MUSIC” which he does through explaining the history of the many instruments that he plays, how they crossed borders and evolved to playing many

In the parlor of his exquisite ancient home George performed on 5 instruments Arab and Hebrew songs from traditional chants to contemporary songs translated by him.

No day trip is complete without a taste of the local cuisine at Arazim restaurant with an amazing view of the valley below.

Written by: Sarah Lekach

Watch video – George sings Sparks of Love, Ehud Banay’s song.

https://youtu.be/0XVCUVgBPMQ?si=1gyd82annKBvmdDf