Ein Shoko (originally named Ein a-Tina, “Fig Spring”) is a spring that springs in the area of the Haon Cliffs Nature Reserve below Kibbutz Mevo Hama in the southern Golan Heights. There you will find a beautiful round pool overlooking a spectacular view of the Sea of Galilee and the Galilee Mountains, alongside benches and wooden tables scattered among the trees, allowing for a relaxing picnic in front of the perfect view.
I first got to know of Ein Shoko during an active army reserve duty. During a massive exercise drill, my company stayed for Shabbat in the Golan Heights, and we decided to take a break for a few hours and go visit the spring.
I will confess, I was against the idea. It seemed like a big headache to me – anyone who has ever tried to coordinate something that involves getting several vehicles, equipment, and something like twenty undisciplined reserve army soldiers will probably know what I am talking about. Add to that the need to walk in the sun after a week of sleeplessness, general stress from the situation, the expected missions ahead of us, and the usual military load – and you will understand the reluctance with which I approached the task.
But… the second I saw the pool it all made sense. I lost a sense of time and immediately forgot my troubles.
The combination of the pool, the clean air, the spectacular view of the Sea of Galilee, and the rippling of the water were all worth it.
And if I had to define one place in the world as the perfect place for “battery charging”, Ein Shoko is the place.
About Ein Shoko
Ein Shoko springs about a kilometer west of Kibbutz Mevo Hama, in an artificial concrete pool into which water flows from a pipe, and overlooks the Sea of Galilee and the Galilee Mountains. The spring was named after Staff Sergeant Matan Gaderi, a resident of Moshav Moledet – nicknamed “Shoko” by his friends – a Nahal Brigade soldier who was killed in 2003 while serving in Hebron and was commemorated there.
In the pleasant compound around the pool, there are benches and picnic tables among the trees and bushes, and signs that tell the story of Matan. Around the spring, several eucalyptus trees grow, along with common reeds and mint.
How to Get To Ein Shoko?
To reach Ein Shoko, take Route 98 (south of the Golan Heights) and turn in the direction of the cemetery, which is located about 600 meters south of the entrance gate to Kibbutz Mevo Hama.
At this point, two iron pillars can be seen stuck in the ground followed by a small passage in a barbed-wire fence. We will park and continue on foot along a moderate descent for the most part, on wide well-marked paths exposed to the sun, along about 400 meters until we reach a lone eucalyptus tree, below which is the spring.
Note that this is a 10-minute walk in each direction.
Tips and Warnings
Although the spring itself is shaded, the road to it is mostly exposed to the sun. Dress accordingly (especially on hot days). It is advisable to bring a mat, some food and drink, and a coffee set and enjoy the atmosphere by the pool.
The walk to and from the spring to the parking area is mountainous and relatively long. If you get into the water, make sure you go with shoes with a good grip on the ground, to prevent slipping.
And of course, although Ein Shoko is not really in the Golan Heights (but more at its foot), our general warning about the Golan Heights minefields applies here as well – stay on the marked roads only and pay attention to the signs and fences (and respect them).
Nearby
Here are some other springs and trails in the area:
