On November 28th our Society hosted a day trip to the Chinese students from the Technion and the University of Haifa. We were also joined by friends from the Chinese Embassy and long-time members and supporters of the Israel-China Friendship Society. The day combined nature, history, and plenty of conversation - the kind that happens naturally when people share a full day together outside the classroom.
Morning hike in “Little Switzerland”
We began the morning with a short hike in the “Little Switzerland” area of mount Carmel. The route was easy and scenic, and it gave everyone space to talk without any formal agenda. Over breakfast on the trail, conversations moved quickly from exams and research to food, family life, and the small details that feel familiar - or surprisingly different - between Israel and China.
Muhraka Monastery and a view of the north
From there we drove to the Muhraka Monastery, traditionally associated with the prophet Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal. The rooftop viewpoint offered a full panorama of northern Israel, including Mt. Carmel, the Jezreel Valley, and the Galilee. For many students, it was a moment where geography became more concrete - not just names on a map, but a real sense of distance, landscape, and scale.
The Alexander Zaid monument: individuals and national stories
We then visited the Alexander Zaid monument near Beit She'arim, where the lower Galilee hills touch the Carmel Mountain. The statue of Zaid on horseback is overlooking the Jezreel Valley. Zaid is remembered as one of the early guards of the Galilee and as a symbol connected to the first Jewish communities in the north. The visit opened a conversation about how personal stories of responsibility and courage can shape a broader national narrative. For many participants, this was their first encounter with this chapter of the Israeli history.
Lunch: Druze hospitality and local food
Lunch was an open-air buffet featuring Druze food - fresh, simple, and generous. The trays emptied quickly, which is always the most honest review.
Beit She’arim: history underground
We ended the day at Beit She’arim, shifting from open views to underground history. Walking through burial caves and viewing decorated stone sarcophagi from the Mishna and Talmud periods, we discussed why this site became such a significant Jewish necropolis, and what it reveals about community, memory, and continuity over time.
We thank everyone who joined us. The curiosity, thoughtful questions, and easy laughter throughout the day are exactly what make these trips meaningful - and why we keep organizing them.
