SWISS FOREST OBSERVATION POINT

``A thousand faces has the Kinneret'' according to one old song. The spectator is aware of the Sea of Galilee's uncommon beauty from every spot in this spectacularly beautiful area. However, don't leave before visiting one of the most stunning observation points, Swiss Forest.

Drive to the southern exit of Tiberias in the direction of the Hot Springs Spa and after 4.5 km. turn right in the direction of the Poriyah Youth Hostel. You will now find yourself climbing up the mountain with the view becoming more and more impressive as you climb.

When you reach the hostel after about 4 km, you'll also see a relatively new asphalt road which leads north to the Swiss Forest. Swiss Forest was planted in the 1920s by the Mandatory Forestry Department in order to prevent and halt soil erosion and virtual flooding of the Kinneret shoreline and tourist facilities to the south of Tiberias.

Drive along the asphalt road mentioned before until you reach the ``Swiss Forest Observation Point.'' Before you stretches the entire length and breath of the Kinneret in all its magnificence surrounded by the Galilee and Golan mountains with Mt. Hermon towering above them all.

Higher up the hill is the white-domed Tomb of Rabbi Meir Ba'al Haness. Many people ascribe special efficacy to prayers uttered at his tomb a few days before Lag Ba'Omer and on the festival of Shavuot. Pilgrims come from far and wide in cars, buses and trucks on these dates, when the rattling of tambourines and the ululating cries of women are the norm.

Continue on the route which follows the curves of the beach. Another road leads off right up the hill to Poriyya Hospital and a Youth Hostel before the right turn-off to Afula, which passes by Moshava Kinneret and Kibbutz Kinneret, the second oldest kibbutz in the country. Here you'll find the palm-tree grove known as Rachel's Wood, in memory of Rachel, a poetess who lived in these parts. Nearby, on the lake-shore, is Tel Bet Yerah, with remnants of an ancient Canaanite city of moon-worshippers. There are also remains from the Roman period. Kibbutz Kinneret and the Government Tourist Corporation have established a baptismal site (``Yardenit,'' with kiosk and other facilities) for Christian visitors. It is located at the spot where the Jordan flows out of the Sea of Galilee, 8 km. south of Tiberias. Admission free.