- the UNDOF Journal 1 Dear Reader! Military Public Information Time fl ies - seasons change, Offi cer in HQ-UNDOF about people also change and a 10 months ago, I was very new year comes, but I think impressed by the beauty of Mt. we haven’t changed much in Hermon covered with snow. this mission. When it comes And then, during November to UNDOF, all we have to do 2004, the snow returned once is conduct our mission, that is again to Mt. Hermon signaling to observe and supervise the Editorial the coming of winter. ceasefi re agreement between Secondly, the members of and , with the ear- UNDOF have changed almost nest wish for future peace on According to the old saying, completely from October the Golan. “Time fl ies when you are hav- through December 2004, dur- And also we can say that ing fun.” During these days, it ing which each contingent this year is a new step for both seems to me that time in the rotated and many peacekeep- UNDOF and the Golan Jour- UNDOF-Mission fl ies quicker ers fi nished their mission in nal. It means that this is the than anywhere else. Why? The safety and returned to their 31st year at the end of our 30th reasons I have are not only countries without any inci- anniversary as UNDOF and that I am really having fun at dents. Lots of new faces, so also this edition is the 101st my UNDOF-Mission but also called “Geckos”, have arrived. Golan Journal. that I feel so due to the reasons At last, the year of 2005 has I wish all of you a Happy below. Firstly, it is because the begun. The beginning of the New Year and all the best for winter has come again to the year is a good opportunity 2005. See you! . When I arrived to look back to past events of Capt Daisuke Horiguchi at the Golan Heights as Deputy UNDOF and at myself. D/MPIO HQ-UNDOF

Editorial Staff: Unit Press Offi cers: D/MPIO Editorial ...... 2 Editor: FC UNDOF Force Commander’s Message ...... 3 AUSBATT - Capt H. Hutter Maj Stefan May COS UNDOF COS Words / FC Meetings ...... 4 CANCON - Capt S. H. Usborne Managing Editor, New People New People in UNDOF ...... 5 J-CON - Lt I M. Fukozawa Layout Designer and Visits Visits to UNDOF ...... 6 Force Photographer: POLBATT - Capt J. Barczewski Engineering Domino Plan for “UNDOF New” ...... 7 WO II Gernot Payer SLOVCON - Lt I T. Hunal AUSBATT Survival of the Fit ...... 8 Co-Editor: OGG - Capt D. O’Connor AUSBATT Mass in Quneitra / Peace Light ...... 9 Capt D. Horiguchi MP - Capt G. Muranski J-CON Tasks / Reopening of the Club Fuji ...... 10 Proofreader: POLBATT Visit of COS / Change of Command ...... 11 E. Lynn Elvaiah Miscellaneous Santa on tour ...... 12

Miscellaneous KHUKRI - The Nepalese Gorkha Knife ...... 13 Editorial Offi ce: CANCON UNDOF Vehicle Rodeo Competition ...... 14 UNDOF HQ CANCON Lest we not forget / Donations ...... 15 Camp FAOUAR SLOVCON Echoes from the press visit to SLOVCON ...... 16 Tel: 6130214-5203 MP Safe driving in UNDOF ...... 17 E-Mail: [email protected] Miscellaneous Bingo / Opening of Gym ...... 18

Civilian Staff CPX-Training ...... 19 The Golan Journal is the magazine of the United Na tions Dis en -

OGG OGG-Training / New Chief OGG ...... 20 gage ment Ob serv er Force and it is in tend ed to pro vide in for ma tion about the Force and events with in it which are of interest to its We about us FC Offi ce ...... 21 mem bers. The UNDOF Mil i tary Pub lic Affairs Of fi ce publishes History Bet ...... 22 the Golan Jour nal eve ry third month. While articles and pho to - Recreation Recreation Gallilee ...... 23 graphs are wel comed from all mem bers of the Force, the view and opinions ex pressed are those of the in di vid u al au thors and do not Front (Page 1): GOLAN the UNDOF Journal /Issue 101 nec es sar i ly co in cide with those of the United Nations or the Force Santa Claus on Posn 80, Photo WO II Gernot Payer Com mand er. The cop y right of all material in this jour nal is vest ed in Unit ed Back (Page 28): Skidoo on Mt. Hermon...... Na tions Pub li ca tions ex cept where an ac knowl edg ment is made Photo by 1st Coy / AUSBATT to an oth er hold er. No articles or il lus tra tions may be re pro duced with out the per mis sion of the ed i to ri al staff.

2 - the UNDOF Journal Happy New Year from the Force Commander! UNDOF FC

Dear Fellow Peacekeepers Well, my fi rst twelve months with all of you in UNDOF have gone by very quickly indeed. It has been quite an eventful and busy year on all fronts, which I’m sure has helped the time to pass quickly for you also. By now, I have had the pleasure and opportunity to meet almost everyone in the mission, both military and civilian. Let me state, at this our infrastructure and drive carefully stage, my gratitude and, most importantly, on these challenging and recognition for maintained peace on roads, which we must the camaraderie and the Golan. Well done travel daily. Remem- support which I have and thank you to all in ber, better to arrive late received at every turn UNDOF for an excellent than never! from all of you, since team performance. Finally, may I wish all my arrival. We will con- I would like to take of you and your loved tinue to work together this opportunity to ones, wherever they for the betterment of extend a warm wel- may be, peace, prosper- all and the achievement come to all the recently ity and all the best for of the mission and our arrived peacekeepers. the New Year 2005. goals. Welcome to the Golan Since my arrival in the and to UNDOF. I wish Thank you Ďiakujem mission, I am delighted also to welcome the Danke Dziękuję with our achievements, newly arrived OGG Arigato Merci especially with the UNMOs to the UN progress of our modern- Golan peacekeeping ization plan. We have family. Have a peaceful, succeeded in enhanc- enjoyable and success- ing our operational ful stay here. capabilities and our With the arrival of the security. We have also winter weather, I urge Major General B. N. SHARMA substantially improved all of you to slow down Force Commander UNDOF

- the UNDOF Journal 3 Chief of Staff Words Comrades of UNDOF! being provided Time fl ies and the year was with, but what over before we realized it. This we make out of is probably because the Mis- it. This is just sion keeps us busy. Whoever the soldiers´ claims that this Mission is a life. quiet one has not served here. I n a d d i -

COS UNDOF At least for myself, I can con- tion to this, fi rm: Only a busy soldier is a i n U N D O F happy soldier. we have the In recent months, I have opportunity witnessed a of very good to make contacts with other ation. work being carried out. Your peoples and cultures and to “Performance raises the self- commitment to doing your represent our own countries. esteem, self-esteem raises the in a proper and effective With great satisfaction, I saw contentment”. Isn’t this what way was a pleasure to see and contingents working together we are trying to achieve? some have deeply impressed and socializing. Keep this up I am looking forward to me with their motivation and and make the best use of your working with you in the New for the trouble they took in time here! Year. There are many chal- the spirit of good co-opera- To those who arrived lenges, on which I will not tion and pursuit of the goals of recently, I encourage you to go into detail. I am sure, you UNDOF. We have seen many look at UNDOF fi rst. If some- know them and we will man- improvements in the Mission thing is not to your complete age to tackle them and suc- and we can say that life is not satisfaction, don’t look away. ceed, if we work together and so bad in UNDOF. No doubt: Take the initiative and change even sometimes (!), put duty nothing is perfect and some it. Everyone of us - no mat- before personal interests. In aspects might be frustrating. ter which rank or nationality this spirit, I wish you all a But we can and will not give - can make UNDOF a better happy and successful New up striving for our common Force. We are obliged to pass Year, satisfaction about your goals, trying to better our- on a working Force to our contribution to peace, health selves, learning from mistakes successors and a humane and for you and your families and and fulfi lling our tasks in the pleasant place in which to live. a safe return home! most professional manner. We Looking around, I see space Col Andreas Safranmüller should not look at what we are for us all to improve the situ- COS UNDOF FC Meetings Every half a year FC UNDOF meets diplomats and attaches in both host coun- tries. The main items this time (12th January in Tel Aviv, left, 19th January in , right) were the incident at the Lebanese border, where one UNTSO-offi cer was shot, and the rebuilding of Quneitra. 4 - the UNDOF Journal People of UNDOF of People New People in UNDOF The new CO-AB regiment in Zary. Meantime he was assigned as Deputy Commanding Offi cer of the Polish LtCol Herbert Pracher contingent in the Golan Heights where he has joined the Austrian Armed spent one year. Forces after completing his After returning home he was assigned to the school examination in 1976. new position as an Administration and Person- In 1981 he graduated at the nel Branch Chief of the 11th Armored Cavalry Military Academy in Wiener Division in Zagan. He also had the opportunity Neustadt to offi cer’s rank. to serve as an Administration and Personnel From 1981 to 2001 he served in the 1st Signals Branch Chief in the Multinational Division Battalion in Villach as platoon commander, Central South (MND CS) in Iraq. company commander and operations offi cer He is married with two children Maciej and and was promoted to LtCol in the year 2000. Marta. During the service with Signals Battalion 1 he served also in different UN-missions (1988/89 AUSCON/UNFICYP, 1992/93 HQ/UNFICYP The new FPM and 1996 UNTSO/OGL). After graduating of the National Defence Capt Paul Mellema was College in Vienna 2000 and a seven month born in New Westminster, period in the G6 Section of the 1st Army Corps British Columbia in 1972 and in Graz he was appointed 2001 to CO of the Sig- joined the Canadian Forces nals Battalion 1. Born in Klagenfurt on 10. April in 1991 as a Reservist and 1957, LtCol Pracher is married to his wife Ilse. entered the Regular Force in 1993. After completing his Bachelor of Arts degree at the Royal Military The new CMPO College, he then concluded his Military Police Lt Col Andrzej Tracz was Offi cer training, graduating in 1997. born in BRODNICA on the Following his training he served as Opera- 29th of December 1961. His tions Offi cer and then Deputy Commanding military career started in Offi cer of 2 Military Police Platoon in Peta- 1980 when he joined the wawa, Ontario, providing MP support to 2 army. After graduating from Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group and the Military High School Canadian Forces Base Petawawa. of Artillery in Poland he started serving as a In May 2000, he was promoted to Captain Platoon leader, Coy Commander and Chief of and posted to Ottawa as the interim Com- Staff of the antitank battalion of the 20th anti- manding Offi cer of the Military Security Guard tank regiment. Unit, which provides MP guards for Canadian During that time he fi nished several courses Embassies overseas. Following this appoint- such as technical self guided missile launcher ment, he moved to National Defence Head- course in Saint Petersburg and the offi cer’s quarters where he served on the Canadian advanced course in Torun. He graduated Forces Provost Marshal’s Staff as Staff Offi cer from the Defense Military Academy in War- Security. saw. After that he started service as a Senior In December of 2001 he was posted to Wain- Staff offi cer of Intelligence, Chief of Staff, and wright Alberta and took command of the Base Deputy Commanding offi cer of the Artillery Military Police until his posting to UNDOF.

- the UNDOF Journal 5 Visits to UNDOF Visits

Japanese defense attaché in Teheran, Col KOBAYASHI, with Col IIDA in Quneitra (2nd November)

Delegation from US-Embassy in Syria on Mount Hermon (12th October)

Group from British embassy in Damascus getting information in UNDOF HQ (26th November)

Meeting of FC UNIFIL, FC UNDOF, COS UNTSO and Civilian Staff (6th December)

DivCdr LtGen SAEKI from Japan familiarizing with AUSBATT / 1st Coy (2nd November)

Further visits to UNDOF 8 Japanese politicians met COS (6th September) Swedish Army Command in Syria and visited 1st Coy AUSBATT (20th October) The new Dutch defense attaché, LtCol ELDERHORST, and his assistant came for a familiarization tour (27th October) The nuncio of the Vatican, Msgr. MORANDINI, and his fi rst secretary met FC/UNDOF (28th October) A group of diplomats in Syria from Germany and Great Britain obtained an UNDOF-Briefi ng (29th October) A delegation of the Greek embassy in Damascus participated in an AOS-tour (4th November) Young Danes studying politics visit POLBATT Posn 60 (7th October)

6 - the UNDOF Journal Domino Plan for „UNDOF New“ Engineering the site in charge of prepara- tion of every single building, which required salvaging or dismantling. Second J-CON Heavy Equipment to demolish the structure prior to the last party, our civilian contractor Mr Heizam, stepping into the demolition theatre. He was in charge of disposing of con- struction waste. After the last structure was torn down a fi nal major clean up completed this enterprising engineering task on 29th Nov Final cleanup at Posn 67 04 according to the schedule. ithout any doubt the October. Both positions were At this stage, FCEO would like Wmain task issued to abandoned already. On 16B, to highlight the bad weather UNDOF engineers at present just the walls were remain- conditions of rainy and is the implementation of the ing. No other facilities except stormy weather under which Force Modernization Pro- a shelter were available. For gram (FMP). It consists of 2 engineers the policy applies camps and 17 positions to be that no military assets may upgraded entirely. A big por- remain before the compound tion of modernizing deals with can be handed over to Syrian communication. In addition, it includes the construction and improve- ment of existing patrol tracks and will be fi nalized by the Removal of the watch tower “Domino Plan” which means engineers of all contributing the ‘Closure of Positions’. In nations performed their task particular the closure of 11 in November 2004. positions throughout UNDOF- In Dec 04, engineers focused Mission. Shelter destruction (Posn 67) on Posn 65 which had been The main player in this Authorities. Posn 61 has been already reduced in previous demolition scenario is Capt previously reduced. It was just years and appeared to be the KAWAMOTO and his J-CON a fenced observation tower to right target for a short term Heavy Equipment supple- be relocated and was a perfect project to allow almost every mented by civilian hired tools. task to train our J-CON opera- engineer to take their well To date four positions have tors, who arrived recently to deserved Christmas Holidays been dismantled: Posn 16B, UNDOF-Mission. at the end of a demanding Posn 61, Posn 67 and Posn 65. For Engineers the fi rst real year 2004. At the end of August 2004 challenge was presented the order was issued to on Posn 67. First, POLBATT Text by Maj Roman Zaller, demolish previous Posn 16B Engineers were the engi- Force Construction Engineering Offi cer in September and Posn 61 in neering advance party on (FCEO) - the UNDOF Journal 7 Survival of the Fit Preparing to fi ght winter on Mount Hermon ome call it Jabal Ash no matter how insignifi cant and lubrication. SShaykh, others call it it may seem, can turn into The preparations run to the Mount Hermon. AUSBATT an enormous problem in the last days before winter arrives. calls it the heart of UNDOF. winter when all supply lines As the saying goes, there is no No matter how much Camp are cut off for months. For the bad weather only insuffi cient AUSBATT Faouar and Camp preparation. Ziouani grow, no mat- Pushing the limits ter how elaborate the of human endurance is administration in Head- very much out of fashion quarters becomes, the in our coddled society. raison d’etre of UNDOF Nowadays most people lies in the craggy peaks want things the easy that loom in the distance way, they magnify every covering the horizon. little ache and pain into Some say little hap- a crushing impediment pens in the AOS. The and misapprehended soldiers of 1st Company The 1st Coy is allways prepared for a hard winter weariness as “complete AUSBATT laugh at them. They mountain is like the restless exhaustion”. These are the know that this is not true. In baby of an ancient Greek god. postures of those who give up winter time the mountain hap- When its temper changes it can without trying. pens. have disastrous consequences. The soldiers of 1st Company “It’s a hard life in the moun- From one moment to the next AUSBATT never give up. They tains” - though spoken with the weather can shift and real- have no choice. No matter how absurd irony their battle cry ity itself seems to throw a tem- hard the preparations for the contains a disquieting amount per tantrum. Winds of up to coming winter may be, they of truth and aptly captures the 230 km/h cut into every nook know that the going will get mood among the soldiers on and cranny of the buildings much harder if winter hits Mount Hermon. Before win- and can rob the body of all them unprepared. ter comes crashing in on them warmth within seconds. They But sometimes the sky like an avalanche they make turn ice and snowfl akes into unwraps its colors around the their whole area of responsi- dangerous projectiles and the summit and the sun looks bility winter ready. Some 250 layers on the position build- like an enormous fl ashlight snow sticks are planted along ings into abstract sculptures with waning batteries, peace the 18.5 km of patrol tracks. by a raving mad artist. comes to Mount Hermon. The They are orientation marks for The positions Hermon Base, Austrian soldiers know never the winter when the meters of Hermon South, 12 and the to underestimate it, never to high snow make all features of highest manned position of smile down upon it in disre- the mountain indistinguish- the UN Hermon Hotel must be spect. In moments like these able. stocked with rations and sup- when it reveals its true beauty Nested between the slopes plies. The generators must be they know why they keep and on the summit of the refurbished to ensure uninter- their brightest smiles for the Jabal Ash Shaykh, the posi- rupted operation for the whole mountain. tion buildings of 1st Company winter. Nearly 300.000 Liters It’s a good life up there need thorough maintenance of fuel are stored for heating, after all. every year. A single oversight, oversnow vehicles, caterpillars Article by Capt G. Schmutzler

8 - the UNDOF Journal New Years Service in Quneitra

he celebration directed by by the fl ickering torches in the stood a wooden cross, atop AUSBATT Tthe Austrian Protestant windows with no more panes, an altar were candles placed and Catholic padres, Susanne accompanied by the howling on some bricks of the dishon- Baus and Christian Rachle, of the dogs straying through oured church. took place at an exceptional the ruins of old Quneitra. During the intercessions the place: In the destroyed Ortho- small community prayed for dox church of Quneitra. Three the dead and surviving vic- years ago Pope John Paul II tims of the tsunami catastro- celebrated a holy mass there. phe but also for all who lost Rarely believers of the Aus- their lives in the Service of trian contingent have the Peace within UNDOF. opportunity to attend a divine The Catholic padre plans service in the 1973 destroyed another service next Easter in church. the church of the “ghost town” 1st January 2005 at 18 hours Holy Mass in the church of Quneitra because it is a special spiritual the ceremony began: Dozens Members of the 2nd Coy experience for all praying of Austrians and Slovakians AUSBATT had prepared the within the naked walls that entered the church, walking religious memorial from an cry out of the cruelty of war. over the clacking pieces of empty shell to a living house bricks on the fl oor, illuminated of God: behind the iconostas Article by Maj Stefan May Peace Light he “peace the county of Upper Austria, from Upper Austria was car- Tlight” just Josef Pühringer, also this time ried out in a dignifi ed way. arrives from a accompanied the child to Beth- After the offi cial part of the region, where lehem, and with him 60 people ceremony all of them enjoyed peace does not of his county. In November themselves in an easy and exist. 2004 Elke Wiesmair, a 13 year comfortable atmosphere. There 1986 the Aus- old girl from the town of some comradeship arose and trian Broadcast- Wels, set on fi re the light in promises were given to meet ing Corporation the grotto of Bethlehem. Also again, some time in Upper (ORF) started this activity: that year the prime minister Austria. These promises will A child from the county of invited Austrian UN-soldiers be kept for sure. Time passed upper Austria lights a fi re in who are serving on the Golan by very quickly this day. the grotto of Jesus’ birth in to the ceremony of handing Next day the small del- Bethlehem and brings it to over the light in . egation returned back to the Austria, where it is distrib- On 23 November 2004 six Camp, with the light in a lit- uted to people all over the soldiers from Upper Austria tle lantern. The activity of the country. 15 years ago the peace under the command of MajMD peace light we will keep in light could be brought to the (Medical Doctor) Angelika mind for the future. For all countries of Eastern Felkl set off for Jerusalem. In Upper Austrians We, mem- for the fi rst time. In the mean- the Austrian Hospiz the del- bers of his county, are proud time this special symbol of egation was welcomed very to give a small contribution for Christmas is given to more warmly. The handover of the the peace in this region. than 25 countries all over peace light from Elke Wies- Europe. The prime minister of mayr to the “soldiers of peace” Text: WO I Engelbert Hager

- the UNDOF Journal 9 Task of the J-CON Detachment Do you know the J-CON and they have many jobs: has in the past years. So unfor- Detachment section? Construction (road repair, tunately the need for snow position demolition, removal has begun as well. container removal and You may wonder why the so on), snow arrived one month ear- J-CON Maintenance (heavy lier this year? equipment, fuel and Well, J-CON has a theory: food, vehicle recov- One of our members, known ery and so on) and of as the “rain man” (his pres- course, management of ence is categorically associated J-CON’s Club Fuji. with rain), may be responsible During the winter for this phenomenon. months you will be J-CON has vowed not to Snow removal at Mount Hermon seeing these men more reveal his name but after a few Have you met the mem- often because they will be tak- drinks, who knows? Stop by bers of J-CON Det? They are ing on one more responsibil- Club Fuji and try to fi nd out! located in CF. The J-CON Det ity: snow removal. This year Article by Sgt T. Shigemizu section has only 12 members winter arrived earlier than it Det J-CON

Reopening of the Club Fuji n 15 Oct 04, the Japanese sushi, tempura. And more. qualifi cation gift. OContingent held a reo- The lottery game, which Membership benefi ts are as pening ceremony for Club Fuji took place shortly before 1730 follows: in CF. The event began at 1600 hrs, was our fi nal event. A For visitor: $1 for 1 drink hrs with the COS present as total of 170 persons visited For members: $1 for 2 drinks our guest of + on the last honor. Maj day of your Adachi, the UNDOF mis- S S O L O G sion – drinks and Club Fuji are free! President, welcomed all C lub Fuji guests and is open on e x p l a i n e d Wednesdays the intention and on Fri- of this event: Most of the new members won a price Join us in Club Fuji... days. “We would like to invite eve- Club Fuji and were presented Wed 2000-2300 (last order 2230) ryone to Club Fuji. J-CON has with a t-shirt, a Japanese Club Fri 2000-2400 (last order 2330) just completed the renewal so Fuji Original. that everyone can join more Everyone is invited to Club Recently we have seen many easily.” Fuji! We recommend that you pictures of new Club Fuji mem- Following the COS’s toast, join as a member. All you have bers. T-shirts, “Happi” souvenirs the Japanese Contingent and to do is get your picture taken and more await you, so come and our guests enjoyed drink- no charge of course. The Japa- join us! ing and eating Japanese food: nese Contingent will give you Capt T. Kawamoto, CO Det J-CON

10 - the UNDOF Journal Chief of Staff of the Polish Armed Forces visited POLBATT

n the 29th of November tasks as well as the UNDOF tory tasks conducted by Polish POLBATT O2004, the Polish Mili- Modernization Program. soldiers. Then, Gen Piątas met tary Contingent on the Golan POLBATT CO - LtCol Rajmund with UNDOF FC, MGen. Bala Heights was visited by the T. Andrzejczak briefed him on N. Sharma and both generals Chief of Staff of the visited the Traditional Hall Polish Armed Forces, of the Polish Military Con- the “SOLDIER NUMBER tingent. ONE” of the Republic of After lunch with the Poland - Gen Czesław UNDOF FC and POLBATT Piątas. CO, members of the dele- A delegation accom- gation met with POLBATT panied by the Chief of soldiers. During the meet- Staff was led by BGen ing, Gen Piątas wished Bogusław Samol. After all Polish Soldiers a quiet the offi cial welcome, Christmas Eve, Happy Gen Piątas took part in New Year and a happy the briefi ng and asked Gen Czesław Piątas greets the Polish soldiers return to their homeland detailed questions. He was the military and political situ- after fi nishing their duty in especially interested in work- ation in the mission area and this UNDOF Peacekeeping ing conditions and POLBATT presented the main manda- Mission. Change of Command Articles and Photos by Capt J. Barczewski MGen Bala UNDOF mission. The FC gave Nanda Sharma, an encouraging welcome to Charge d’Affairs the new CO – LtCol Rajmund Embassy of Re- T. Andrzejczak. When the public of Poland offi cial part of the ceremony in Tel Aviv was over, all honorable guests – HE Janusz and POLBATT soldiers were Omietański, invited to a very tasty lunch Defence Mili- and to spend some fi ne time in tary, Naval and a pleasant atmosphere. Air Attaché - Col Planting an olive tree Andrzej Marko- wicz and from The ceremony took place at Camp Ziouani Poland - Col Kaz- n October 7, 2004 imierz Palasz – representative OPOLBATT celebrated a of the Polish Defence Ministry. Change of Command at Camp The outgoing and incoming Ziouani. The outgoing CO, COs and distinguished guests LtCol Wieslaw Orkisz handed presented their addresses. over the command to the MGen Bala N. Sharma in his incoming CO - LtCol Rajmund address gave special thanks From left: MGen Bala N. Sharma, HE Tomasz Andrzejczak. Among to LtCol Wieslaw Orkisz for Janusz Omietański, LtCol Wiesław Orkisz, LtCol Rajmund T. Andrzejczak many of POLBATT’s special a well-done job and appre- Foreground: Representative of Polish guests were Force Commander ciation for his support to the Defence Ministry Col Kazimierz Pałasz - the UNDOF Journal 11 Santa On Tour eing Santa is getting more the world, but this year I also duty during the main festival Band more stressful the wanted to come to see the season of the year and could closer Christmas comes, as peacekeepers in the Middle not be with their beloved ones we know. Once again, I had so East. I was sad to hear that at home. Therefore my Lord many obligations all around many of them had to stay on and myself have decided to honor their important and noble duty by paying a cour-

Miscellaneous tesy visit to them and by rewarding them with presents and our sincere thanks for their service of peace. Since Santa is coming from Finland, as you may know, he had to plan a long, long jour- ney. He was quite confi dent to make it, because this year’s reindeer that have been chosen were very strong. Furthermore the sleigh had been serviced to the smallest screw and most importantly, Saint Petrus, the main weather forecaster in heaven had reported cold win- ter weather with lots of snow and slippery road conditions. So this seemed to be ideal for a smooth and quick run to the Golan. But there the unexpected happened and on our way to Camp Faouar we got stuck in Arne, so close to our fi nal destination, because of lack of snow, unbelievable. Due to the professional and helpful atti- tude of the local peacekeepers however, Santa managed not to fail. He changed his means of transport and continued the tour in an UNDOF vehicle guided by FC UNDOF…… PS: His reindeer were “parked” in a local farmers stable, while he was on tour with the peace- keepers. Article by Maj S. Perr, FWO Photos by WO II G. Payer 12 - the UNDOF Journal KHUKRI - THE NEPALESE GORKHA KNIFE hukri is kept in every have one particular kind of Gorkha and the Indian Gorkha Khousehold of Nepal and weapon uniquely its own and regiments. every Nepalese feels proud of so the Nepalese have their The Khukri can be used in it. The Khukri is kept inside own Khukri. Besides, groups various different ways; such a leather scabbard and made as to cut down a tree, trim the from frog skin leath- branches, cut grass, dig a er which has a metal hole, kill animals, cut cape. The Khukri meat and vegeta- typically has two bles and start sharp curves. a fi re. People Many Nepali in the lat- Hindu fol- ter half of l o w e r s the twenti- b e l i e v e eth century that it is the think that s y m b o l o f the famous Gorakhnath, Khukri then the God of the had outlived Gorkhas; however its use, that it had in reality the curves become an old fash- were designed simply to pre- ioned weapon like a dum vent the blood from fl owing inhabiting in hilly regions dum bullet; however, the towards the handle after the and dense forests areas full of Gorkha soldiers again used it weapon is used to kill the prey ferocious animals are forced to successfully during the Falk- and to avoid making the fi st possess some kind of weapon land war. This proved that the slippery. There are other such for self protection from unex- Khukri had not become obso- curved grooves in the khukri pected adversaries. The origi- lete. at the top and the main blade nal Khukri was believed to be Furthermore, religious sac- of the weapon which are said like a dagger. Later on, out of rifi ces of animals like goat and to be a Trident of the Hindu necessity and experience, peo- buffalo, etc., are accomplished God Shiva, the destroyer. The ple made it a little curved like with Khukris. The belief is shape also resembles a hoof a sickle. that the cutting of the sacrifi - of the cow which constantly After the Anglo War of 1815 cial objects must be done with reminds the person not to use and the recruitment of the one blow. Once taken out, the it against a cow. The practical Gorkhas in the British Army, Gorkha soldiers return the reason for the grooves is also the Khukri got wider publicity. Khukri in its sheath only after to allow the blood to drip effi - It was created for the sole pur- the performance of the proper ciently. The blood groove is the pose of self defense not only religious ceremony called buttcapp of the knife which from ferocious animals but “Kharo Jagauni”. resembles the eye of GOD and also from thieves and robbers. The Khukri has undoubtedly represents his omnipresence. Later, the Khukri became the proven to be a useful tool and The sheath contains, beside main weapon of the Gorkhas is famous all over the world. It the Khukri, two small knives: against enemies. It is a part is a symbol of art, culture and one to make fi re and the other of the uniform of the Royal tradition, all rolled into one. to sharpen the Khukri. Every Nepalese Army soldiers. This Article by Maj Himadri Thapa brave and fi ghting race must is also the case with the British ADC to FC

- the UNDOF Journal 13 THE VIII UNDOF VEHICLE RODEO COMPETITION he 8th UNDOF Vehicle required to perform the Daily Here are the fi nal results: TRodeo Competition took Inspection of a vehicle, which place in Camp Ziouani on had a number of intentional Toyota 4 Runner Event the 1st and 2nd of November defects they had to discover. (Individual top 3 ranking) 2004. The competition focused The competitors were also 1st - KPR Piascik -POLBATT on driving skills in two cat- required to undergo a written - 377 points;

CANCON egories, the Toyota 4 Runner test based on the UNDOF driv- 2nd - Sgt Isechi - J-CON and Medium Truck. There ers’ handbook. - 351 points was a total of 32 competitors To increase the anxiety, 3rd - Sgt Hyodo - J-CON from four teams, one team these scores were not revealed - 349 points. each from: J-CON, POLBATT, until after the driving portion Medium Truck Event AUSBATT, and LOGBATT. of the competition. (Individual top 3 ranking) 1st - AIC Fukuda - J-CON - 349 points; 2nd - Sgt Berger - AUSBATT - 325 points 3rd - SFC Maruta - J-CON - 324 points. Toyota 4 Runner Event (Team top 3 ranking) 1st - POLBATT - 1393 points; 2nd - J-CON All competitors from four contingents - 1258 points; rd The aim of the UNDOF The second day of the com- 3 - AUSBATT Vehicle Rodeo Competition is petition was the actual driv- - 885 points. to encourage all contingents to ing portion on the courses laid Medium Truck Event develop and perfect their driv- out on the LOGBATT parade (Team top 3 ranking) ing techniques and abilities, square and baseball fi eld. The 1st - J-CON but also to provide an arena skill of the drivers was very - 1237 points; in which to demonstrate these much in evidence as they all 2nd - AUSBATT skills during a challenging navigated the complex twists - 1098 points competition. Such a competi- and turns. 3rd - POLBATT tion provides the opportunity, The competition was very - 1048 points. not only to gain team recog- close, but unfolded in a friendly Overall Contingent Ranking nition, but also that sense of and professional atmosphere. 1st - J-CON personal achievement, which All involved found the expe- - 2495 points; comes when professionals rience challenging, rewarding 2nd - POLBATT compete with the best of their and culturally enriching. - 2441 points; peers. It was also an excellent Congratulations to J-CON 3rd - AUSBATT way to promote esprit de corps for their very good show as - 1983 points and safety awareness within this year’s overall winner. 4th - CANCON the UNDOF Mission area. Congratulations also to all - 1696 points. On the fi rst day of the com- who participated, including petition the 32 competitors judges and organizers, in mak- Article by WO Bruno Rainville took part in the Vehicle Defect ing the VIII UNDOF Rodeo a Photo by Sgt Mike Pearso Test, where each driver was success. 14 - the UNDOF Journal LEST WE NOT FORGET

At the eleventh hour, on the eleventh day, of the eleventh month, CANCON Canadians pause to remember those who died in war. ervices of Remembrance The Canadian Contingent and the other in Damascus Sare held in every city and also represented other Com- on 21st November. The service town across Canada. The monwealth nations during at Damascus also included Canadian contingent also several ceremonies across the a Canadian honour guard. commemorated the 11th Further, at these services of November, Canada’s it was not just Common- Remembrance Day. wealth countries that were Our parade on 11th laying wreaths, but also November was pre- representatives from many sided over by the CO of other Embassies as well. LOGBATT, LtCol Myers. The climax of all Cana- The parade was held in dian Remembrance Day front of the Camp Ziouani services, whether it is in cairn, which bears the Canada or celebrated by names of all Canadians Religious Leaders of Aleppo with Major Canadians overseas, can who have died in peace- D.W. MacGillivray, Chaplain CANCON be said to be the two min- keeping missions in the Mid- Middle East, to recognize the utes of silence. This is a time dle East. The Canadian serv- sacrifi ce of their soldiers who when each person in attend- ice also had prayers from the made the ultimate sacrifi ce ance refl ects on the enor- Padre, the laying of wreaths during the two World Wars. On mity of the sacrifi ce of those by the CO and by offi cers 14th November our contingent Canadians who have died in representing the Canadian provided the vigil party for a War or in peacekeeping mis- Army, Navy and Air Force. A service at the Commonwealth sions around the world. very touching moment of the Cemetery near Tel Aviv, hosted Canadians want to remem- service was the reading of the by the British Ambassador to ber their sacrifi ce, to give names of the 54 peacekeep- Israel. The Canadian Ambas- thanks and to pray for those ers killed in the Middle East. sador to Syria, His Excellency who made the ultimate sacri- Touching as it was done as the Brian Davis, hosted Services fi ce. We want never to forget. parade participants listened to of Remembrance at two Com- Article by Maj Donald MacGillivray the tune of Amazing Grace on monweath Cemeteries, one Chaplain CANCON the bagpipes. in Aleppo on 19th November Photo by Sgt J. Olasz

DONATIONS TO SYRIAN ORPHANAGE he Shrine of Saint Paul Since 1964 the Melkite-Greek 6th of November 2004 mem- Ton the Walls dates back Catholic Patriarchate has bers of the LOGBATT Curling to the First Century AD and maintained the orphanage and Club Association travelled to commemorates Saint Paul’s home for the aged under the Damascus to make a $2,000 passing through Damascus. direction of the Basilian Sisters USD donation on behalf of all A replaced the church of Aleppo. The current resi- members of LOGBATT. The in the 12th century. By 1909 the dents include three Sisters, 35 Curling Club was founded in Melkite-Greek Catholic Patri- orphans, ranging in age from 1974 and is a voluntary organi- archs had purchased the land 5 to 18 years old and 25 elderly zation that helps to raise funds with the idea of rebuilding the residents. Donations are their for charities. former shrine of Saint Paul. only source of income. On the Article by PO2 W.E. Dymond - the UNDOF Journal 15 Echoes from the press visit to SLOVCON tmost hospitality straight ily of all nations united under already presented in several Utreatment and friendly the UN after our mandate had private and state media in Slo- atmosphere – these are the expired in the former Yugo- vakia as well as in magazines expressions I would use to slavia. I must admit that dur- published abroad: in “The characterise the attitude of the ing the week on the Golan Slovak Canadian” (compatri-

SLOVCON staff members and all the other I remembered several times otic weekly paper published soldiers serving in UNDOF, this jovial, sociable and highly in Toronto) I described the mainly within the Aus- cooperation between trian-Slovak battalion. Slovaks and Canadians, All of these my col- “The Slovak Spectator” league, Mrs Lenka Cho- informed the English vanec, and I felt during speaking community in our one-week press visit Slovakia about the life on the Golan Heights in of our soldiers serving December 2004. We both in Syria (there is also a would like to express photo of Japanese and our thanks from Slova- Slovak soldiers display- kia to all those involved. ing their tight friend- These words are not ship). So I could continue just a phrase, I can com- to list the high-standard pare. As a Chief Editor Slovak soldier on duty relationships among of a military magazine I have respected former doyen of the Polish and Slovak soldiers. visited once, or several times, military diplomatic corps in To draw a conclusion to my missions where Slovak sol- Bratislava. contribution to the Golan Jour- diers have been serving in the An agreement between the nal I would like to mention last two years: African Eritrea, Austrian and the Slovak Min- that correctitude and openness , Afghanistan, Iraq and isters of Defence had been Kosovo. Before that I visited signed in Vienna about a joint our missions as a Spokesman battalion within UNDOF in of the Ministry of Defence May 1997. It can be added that and going even further into after the successful creation of the past I went to see Slovak the Austrian-Slovak coopera- soldiers abroad as a civilian tion on the Golan Heights, Slo- journalist – I specialized in vak troops took over command problems concerning defence from their Austrian colleagues CO SLOVCON, COS, Slovak Journalists for a prominent non-tabloid in Cyprus (UNFICYP) in 2001. newspaper. When I was there last year I towards journalists should be Especially during those met only positive response to a natural way of communica- years (btw. 1996-98) I had the whole system and mate- tion between military person- an excellent opportunity to rial base handed over from nel and the public, and each of admire the activity of the Aus- Austrian soldiers. These are these, and more, I met here on trian military attaché for the defi nitely the best examples of the Golan Heights. Thank you Slovak Republic, BGen Roland how to build up a very good very much again. Vogel. He played a signifi cant partnership between border- role in the integration process ing countries. My impressions Text by Mgr. Pavol Vitko, Chief Editor of military magazine “OBRANA” (Defence), of the Slovak Armed Forces and experience from our short Bratislava, Slovakia. Translated and to actively rejoin the big fam- stay in UNDOF have been abridged by Janecek Slavomir, Lt II 16 - the UNDOF Journal MP-Platoon

Pictures by MP-Platoon During the month of December you may have noticed more MP alcohol checkpoints and speed check points. This is part of our increased focus on safe driving in UNDOF. The major- ity of UN accidents within the mission area are preventable and are due to speed and driver inattention or carelessness. Keeping to the speed limits and driving with proper care and attention to the traffi c and weather conditions will prevent accidents. Here are some examples of accidents that could have been prevented. Luckily no one was killed in these accidents and only one resulted in serious injuries, how- ever, it could have been very different. The driving regulations are not set to hinder you, but as a way to keep you safe. Text by Capt P. Mellema Remember, it is not your driving skills that matter, it is the skills of all the other drivers as well. Only by driving defensively will you ensure you have done all you can to prevent an accident.

- the UNDOF Journal 17 New Years Eve Bingo Charity When the idea of hosting a charity fundraising event on New Year’s Eve was presented by the wife of FC UNDOF, Mrs Bibhu SHARMA, mid -December last year, no one would have imagined that such an event could have such an unprecedented signifi cance so soon with the terrible “tsunami” catastrophe. Therefore it was clear to whom the funds should go. t was a pleasure for me tation for the explanation of but not least, there was Mrs. Ito see how positively and the Bingo game, the MPIO Maj SHARMA, who herself ran the actively people involved in the May and Radio Gecko covered show that night as the main Miscellaneous planning and execution of the announcement and music, the speaker. Bingo charity engaged them- AIK crew provided an excel- The result was great and selves and what we 937 tickets had been fi nally achieved. sold providing the Not only the fi nan- same amount in USD as cial result, but also the funds. This amount has positive spirit and the been augmented to over good atmosphere of that 2500 USD by additional evening would not have donations and a sec- been so great without ond Bingo game during the outstanding contri- J-CON Day in CF on bution of some worth 7th January 2005. mentioning. It was right and fi tting There were all the to see that a soldier from contingents and Quelle/ the Japanese Contin- Chamil shop and Marko all concentration on the game gent, who were the most shop from Khan Arnhabe that lent buffet and the ADC FC generous prize donors, won provided prizes. AUSBATT Maj Thapa was our profes- the main prize of the game, a engineers built a podium, sional advisor. Nepalese Gorkha knife, spon- the AUSBATT Welfare Offi cer Hanna Desta and the Aus- sored by FC UNDOF. 1st Lt Groeppel showed a pro- trian female Padre Susanne fessional Power Point presen- Baus sold so many tickets. Last Article and Photo by Maj S. Perr Another new Gym nly eleven months after tion. The Force gave us fi ve always looking for volunteers: OAUSBATT has opened weeks for changing the loca- The EOD-team of AUSBATT a new fi tness-room, it was tion. When I received the developed into specialists in ordered to move that institu- key for the future training- preparing the new gym. center, there was only a sim- On 16th December 2004 at ple recently built hall – with- exactly 1400 hours our new out heating or electricity in fitness-center was opened it. After the fi rst rain, water offi cially by FC. With the came through the walls, so necessary understanding of it would have been easier to sports and enjoying fi tness, make a swimming hall out of this training center for all will the building. Our daily morn- hopefully keep its value for a ing-roll-call became a sort of long time. WO I Wohlkönig demonstrates for the FC labour market, because I was Article by WO I Othmar Wohlkönig

18 - the UNDOF Journal International & National Civilian Staff CPX Staff Civilian The day, 24 November 2004, raderie and adventure that activities were packed with dawned bright and clear. each one experienced with non-stop action, complete After the unrelenting rain, his/her colleagues. paraphernalia of state of the sleet and snow of the previ- Participants were divided art gadgets, not to mention the ous days, 37 UNDOF and four into three teams – each with excellent trainers, fully compe- UNTSO civilian staff (both an appointed team leader who tent in their line of work and international and national) simply had to insure that his/ expertise. Our UNDOF Staff including three dependents her group knew exactly where Offi cer for Plans/Training, were bundled up against the Maj Utz Kuras was extremely cold and ready to tackle what- gratifi ed at the response of ever lay ahead. Sunshine the civilians whose “interac- mercifully peeked through tion, liveliness, and dedica- the clouds and everyone tion made the CPX a huge anticipated an exciting day success.” The civilians on the outdoors. other hand, appreciated all the nitiated by the UNDOF Mis- efforts made for the planning, Ision Training Cell (MTC) development and execution and coordinated jointly with Training is the key to preparedness! of this exercise. On behalf of the Personnel and Travel Sec- the next activity would be. UNDOF/UNTSO international tion, the Command Post Exer- Timings were perfectly organ- and national civilians, I’d like cise for civilians was designed ized beforehand and each to thank all the UNDOF con- with a view to equipping staff team had a designated activ- tingents that provided their with necessary survival skills ity at a given hour and on a time, equipment and knowl- while being trained to save rotation basis. The activities edge, who painstakingly set other lives as well. It aimed included (a) practical and live up perfect simulation scenar- to bring trainers and trainees enactments of fi re extermina- ios and patiently answered tion using various types of all of our questions, no matter chemicals; (b) demonstration how trivial. and application of Cardio-Pul- Special thanks to Capt monary Resuscitation (CPR); Abfalter, WO I Wohlkoenig (c) how to approach a scene (NBC & shelter drills), WO I of a car accident and treat an Buergler (EOD), MD Bjornson injured person, (d) briefi ng & MD SISKA (fi rst aid), WOI on landmines, detection and Stuhlmayer (fi re fi ghting), MP how to react when accidentally Sgt Edward (traffi c accident) Live enactments of fi re extermination trapped in the middle of a land- and their assisting Staff for all together, encourage coopera- mine-infested area; and (e) the their hard work and commit- tion and cohesion and demon- proper use of gas masks. Some ment. strate how effective interaction courageous volunteers donned Let’s all hope that there will could help achieve success and tested their gas masks in never be a need to actually use especially during life-threat- a supervised but authentically these new-found skills; but as ening situations. These objec- simulated “chemical warfare the saying goes – training is tives were met beyond expec- agent container”. Participants the key to preparedness. See tations as each participant also had the opportunity to you at the next CPX! triumphantly came away with visit the camp bunkers, fully Author: Chinkie Ani with contributions new knowledge and skills, not equipped to sustain individu- from Maj Utz Kuras to mention the sense of cama- als during an emergency. All and Ms. Noi Jirapokakul - the UNDOF Journal 19 OGG Training - the most important issue included here, comes also the by the Austrians is really out- to prepare our personnel to UNMOs initial training. There standing! This line tour is carry out their job! are frequent rotations within important not only because it ince last May, OGG with OGG and this is an important is a nice place to visit, but also the outstations Damascus reason why the training cycle it provides an overview of the OGG S and has been carrying has to be ongoing. whole AOR/AOL where the out 33 training events (an aver- One aspect of training is UNMOs do their inspections age rate of 4.7 events/month). coordination between Duty and patrols, the Blue Line and Offi cers should a situation occur: Duty Offi cer at the out- stations, Duty Offi cer Golan and Duty Offi cer UNDOF. Safety of UNTSO personnel is another important aspect. In our specifi c environment hazards due to the traffi c situ- ation, poisonous snakes etc. “Training? I’m lovin’it”! require in-service training to Break on Mt. Hermon These activities included Lost be able to be prepared to act. Lebanon. Furthermore it gives Vehicle Procedure, CASEVAC The most appreciated and a better understanding of the Procedure (better known as enjoyable training is, without work carried out by UNDOF. MEDEVAC or AMB training), any doubts, the Line Tour in To conclude this little article Fire fi ghting training, Rapid the area of 1st COY AUSBAT up we would suggest to create a Reaction Group Call Proce- at Mount Hermon. It is a goal new training motto: to give each UNMO serving dure, Mine awareness / Mine “Training? I‘m lovin‘it‘‘! fi eld Extraction, Line Tour to in OGG an opportunity to go Mount Hermon area and, not here. The hospitality provided Capt Luigi Sambin, PlansO/OGG The new Chief OGG Lt Col Willem between he has been serving Ops Planning, 1994 UNPRO- J.M. Steijlen as Snr OpsO in a mechanized FOR MA to Chief Military was born 1950 Inf Batt and in a mechanized Observers and UNMO, he has in Maastricht. Brigade preparing units from participated in the Danish/ After complet- Coy to Batt level for the former Norwegian Research Project at ing his mili- Yugoslavia, Cyprus and Kos- the UN Mission in the former tary training ovo missions. From 1995 to Yugoslavia from 1995 – 1998. at the Royal 1997 he has been leading Before coming to this mission Military Academy and the teambuilding for Coy-Batt-Bde on the Golan on 15 November, Infantry school, he started in and various training centre he was Defense Attaché for 1972 as a Platoon Leader in staff levels. UN missions are the Netherlands in Damascus 43 Mechanized Infantry Batt, not new to him; 1981 UNIFIL from 2001 until October this during his career he has been DUTCHBATT Aops/ C Force year and had the accreditation serving as a Coy and Batt Co. Mobile Reserve, 1988-1989 in Syria, Lebanon and . He also served as an instruc- UNTSO; BUNMO in Finbatt Lt Col Steijlen is not married; tor in the Infantry school on the Golan, Team Sierra in his hobbies include history, and in the Offi cers’ school, in OGL, 1993 UNPROFOR HQ in sports, music and painting.

20 - the UNDOF Journal Force Commander’s Offi ce We about us about We The job of the FC’s Offi ce is to assist our Force Commander (FC) MajGen B. N. SHARMA in his daily work in UNDOF. This means to coordinate both military and civilian matters in the overall responsibilities of the FC. For example, arranging and coordinating itineraries, time-tables and protocol matters, act as personal aid and carry out special assignments for the FC as directed or required by the FC, in close cooperation with each member. ommandant Patrick J. was awarded the best press she is a Permanent Employee CDoherty is from Ireland information offi cer award for of the United Nations Eco- and has been serving as the his achievement. Maj Thapa nomic Commission for Africa Military Assistant to the FC besides being an Infantry- (UNECA) headquartered (MA FC) for nearly 18 months offi cer, was trained as an air in the Capital city of Ethio- now. Prior to this, he served traffi c controller (Indian Air- pia, Addis Ababa. Before she with OGG in joined UNDOF Tiberias for 6 on 10 May months. He 2000, she had h a s p r e v i - served in four ously served p e a c e k e e p - with UNIFIL ing missions, on four sepa- in Asia and rate occasions Africa. Since between 1988 she joined and 1995. UNDOF, she H e a l s o has worked s e r v e d i n as Personal BOSNIA/ Assistant to Macedonia for four FCs. She 12 months in says that she 1998. He said, is enjoying "I can hon- the challeng- estly say that from L to R : Cpl B. Basnyat, Comdt P. J. Doherthy, Maj H. K. Thapa ing duties in I have enjoyed in front: Ms. Hanna Desta the FC’s Offi ce each and every day that I have force), an aircraft accident and the relations she is having worked here with UNDOF investigator, fl ight ops offi cer with military and civilian per- and OGG. I have made many (Thailand), fl ight safety offi cer sonnel of the mission. friends and I have great admi- (Inst. of Airsafety, Pakistan Corporal Baburam Basnyat ration for the professionalism Airforce) and holds a Bach- from Nepal is the FC’s driver and co-operation of all my elor’s Degree in Business and started his tour of duty colleagues, both civilian and Management from Tribhuvan in February 2004 and has pre- military." University. Maj Thapa is a viously served in the trans- Major Himadri Kumar graduate of the Royal Nepa- port platoon in UNIFIL and Thapa as the Aide-de-camp to lese Army Command and UNAMSIL He has completed the FC (ADC FC) arrived in the Staff College. He says that he his Army training of Motor mission in February 2004 and is fond of this assignment here Transport Basic, Heavy Vehi- this is his second UN mission. and fi nds it very challenging. cle Driving, VIP driving and He had served with UNIFIL Ms. Hanna Desta as the so on. He is a professional in 1995 as the Press Informa- Personal Assistant to the FC transport soldier. tion Offi cer of NEPBATT and (PA FC) is from Ethiopia and Text: Capt Daisuke HORIGUCHI - the UNDOF Journal 21 Ten Years of Peace In November 1994, ten years ago, the peace treaty between Israel and Jordan was signed in Aqaba at the Red Sea. The negotiations leading to this treaty were held not far from our mission area: In Beit(=house) Gabriel at the utmost southern shore of the Sea of . When driv- for Israel and ing the street King Hussein History a l o n g t h e of Jordan. sea, one does When the talks not realize had reached a the modern dead point, the building that two are said to i s b e h i n d have gone for a the wall in a walk together garden area, along the shore neighbouring of the Sea of the “Jordan Galilee. When High School”. they returned Today it is they had found well known a solution. a n d a f r e - A f t e r t h e quented cul- death of King t u r a l a n d The room of the peace negotiations next to the Hussein his social center in Israel. It was Two rows of windows reveal Kaffi ah was laid on the table built in 1993 by the Gabriel the Sea of Galilee, beginning before the chair where he sat Sherover Foundation with Gita some meters outside, beyond ten years ago. Since a visiting Sherover as the head. She died some palm trees in the gar- tourist group tried to steal half a year ago. Her vision was den with coulorful fl owers. the Kaffi ah, the remembrance to make this building, with The beautiful view goes from room which is fi lled with other the self-willed architecture by the quitely hidden Tiberias at precious symbols of peace Ulrich Plesner, a meeting-place is not open any more to the for peace negotiations of Israel public. Doves of peace made with its neighbour-countries. of metal are kept there, Pho- Until now that only succeeded tos of Gorbatchev visiting Beit with Jordan a decade ago. Gabriel and a knife as a dona- The Urimare-room (every tion from the former president room of the house has a of Argentinina, Carlos Menem, name of a hero of Venezuela, who was born in Syria. Doves of peace in Beit Gabriel the home country of Gita People can visit several other Sherover) in one corner of the the left to the Golan Heights places within Beit Gabriel building was the place of the on the right. Two mirrors on (named after the son of Gita peace negotiations. The car- the walls refl ect this picture, Sherover): Galleries, patios, peted-fl oor is grey, the table so everyone at the table can amphitheaters, a cinema and in the middle has six sides, see the lake. The fl ags of Israel a restaurant with a wonderful each of the twelve red leather- and Jordan are standing in view to the lake and the hills chairs around the table is the room, near the busts of around it. equally sized, no special place the negotiation team leaders, Article by Maj Stefan May for a chairman is provided. Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin Photos by WO II Gernot Payer

22 - the UNDOF Journal A Tour through Galilee Recreation Situated on the coast, a few meters from the Lebanese Border, a cable car carries people in less than one minute along the white cliffs of Rosh Hanikra down to grottos, which the sea has washed out over the centuries. nyone who likes the quiet, Some streets further, Isra- characteristic , Awill like Achziev best, el’s only metro connects the with the Church of Transfi gu- half way between Rosh Han- upper parts with the quarters ration on top.If you like to hike, ikra and , a town, beneath. The main attraction head for the Gilboa Moun- which offers many possibili- tains. At their end Beit Shean ties for swimming. Achziev’s is worth spending a night in white-sandy beach is very the new Youth hostel with its fl at, clear water lies calmly in interesting architecture – and a natural pool, marked off by to dedicate the next day to the big stones, opposite the ruins excavations: from the Tel of from the crusader time. More the Canaanites, one has the examples of the cruel centuries best view on the Roman town are hidden inside Galilee: The at one’s feet, with cracked and Montfort and Yehi’am broken pillars, lying across the Fortress. main streets like bricks since Further south, Akko, which the earthquake of 749 AD. has been the maritime capital Further north the Crusader of the Crusader Kingdom is castle of Belvoir offers a wide surrounded by thick city walls. view over the Jordan valley. The visitor strolls through the The Baha’i shrine in Having reached Lake Kin- cornered streets of the bazaar, is the shrine of the Baha’i sect neret, sites with biblical ref- passes small churches and in the center and the garden erence increase: Tabgha, the admires the atmosphere of around it. The street leading place of the Feeding of the former days in the old harbour to the shrine is fl anked with Multitude, and , with its sailing boats and the houses in a special style: Peo- where Jesus lived a long time mighty Khan. In the vicinity, ple from Germany settled here in the house of Saint Peter. a one hundred meter long tun- in the 19th century. Some hundred meters above Following , the church on the Mount of where Haifa is built, passing Beatitudes reminds us of that the Catholic Carmel Cloister famous Sermon of Jesus. one reaches, down in the plain Further north, remaining again, Beit Shearim, a Jewish stones tell the story of the old necropolis of the 3rd and 4th Jewish town of . Up century. It is a site of impress- the hill, the old town of Zefat ing caves with many coffi ns of gives not only a spectacu- stone for the defunct inhab- lar view: with its small ways The harbour of Akko itants of the adjacent town. between tiny houses in white nel of the Crusader period has Some kilometers to the east and blue, it is also one of the been recently discovered. Tzipori, the ancient capital of holy towns of the , and Some kilometers to the Galilee, and on a one of these numerous places south in the busy, picturesque hill, where Jesus grew up, but of interest which Galilee offers town Haifa another cable car today a place smothered with the visitor. leads down to the harbour. traffi c, are situated. Nearby the Text and Photos: Maj Stefan May

- the UNDOF Journal 23 24 - the UNDOF Journal