Sunday, 21 October ~ Alan Ogilvie

We have seen many remarkable sites during our tour. Some sacred like Church of the Nativity and some secular like Dar Al Kalima University. Today was no different as we visited various churches along the Sea of Galilee, took a beautiful late afternoon cruise on the Sea of Galilee in a boat similar to what was used during the time of Christ and visited the ancient Village of Biram, which was destroyed by troops in the early 1950s.

Toomi Magzal

Particularly memorable was walking the ruins of Biram with an energetic 91 year old former resident, Toomi Magzal, who spoke of how his family and the entire population of the village was forced to leave their homes with only 48 hours notice with the promise from officials that they could return in 2 weeks. Only later did it become clear they would never be permitted to return and the village would be destroyed. Despite what he and his family had experienced through this ordeal, he was not bitter but rather simply desired for there to be peace in the Holy Land. Truly an amazing individual.