On Friday morning, my family and I headed to Givat Haturmusim (Lupine Hill), located about 15 minutes from our home in Beit Shemesh. There, we met up with fellow Israelity contributor David Bogner, and his lovely family, for a picnic lunch.
During February each year, Israelis from all over the country flock to Givat Hatumursim to simply behold the wonderous purple turmusim (lupines), red kalaniyot(windflower/anemone), and other wildflowers covering the hill. The tranquility of the surroundings provide a surreal contrast to the hustle and bustle of life in Israel, and give no hint as to the battle that once occured here .
I am, of course, referring to the battle of David and Goliath, as is described in the first book of Samuel. During the war between the Israelites and Philistines, the Philistine camp encamped between Givat Haturmusim and Tez Azekah, another hill nearby. Later on, Goliath stood in the nearby Valley of Elah for forthy consecutive days, challenging someone to fight him. Of course, we all know what happened next. But while David slew Goliath with stones, it is the flowers which now draw people to the area.
How many of you reading this ever imagined that Israelis, living in such a volatile region of the world, took time out to do something as simple as appreciate nature? Not many, I am sure. Yet this is another facet of life in this wonderful land.
The cute children in these pictures are, of course, my daughters Atara and Maya.
(Cross-posted on Israelity)
