Israel Trail Angels are one of the unique phenomena of the Israel National Trail, and in my opinion they are what give the trail it’s great charm.
These are people who live in settlements along the Israel National Trail route, and choose to host and help the hikers along the trail’s route, in most cases for free – only out of their kindness and willingness to help. Trail Angels will offer you a warm bed and shower, a piece of grass for setting up a tent, and maybe even a cup of coffee and a hot meal. Especially in the southern areas, the trail angels help with rescue, burying water bottles in dry areas, moving equipment, and some good advice.
Want to get a snapshot of what it really is? A video is worth a thousand words.
Israeli channel 11 filmed a short series of 11 videos a few years ago, each video is about a different trail angel.
(The video is in Hebrew but you can add English subtitles. It is highly recommended to watch)
List of Israel National Trail Angels
There are several lists on the internet of trail angels, all quite similar and updated at the same time:
- List of trail angels on the website of the Society for the Protection of Nature.
- The List on “Wikitrail“
Rules of conduct and etiquette
Other sites have long lists of “do’s and don’ts” rules when staying with the Israel Trail angels, in the style of “Do not smoke inside the house”, “Do not call in the middle of the night”, etc. But in our opinion there is really no point in that. The rule is simple – be a human. Treat the trail angels with respect and courtesy. They have chosen to host you for free, and you should cherish gratitude and act accordingly.
Remember – the trail angels do not owe you anything. and as they say: not good? you know where the door is.
Still, a few things that are important to clarify in order for the experience to be successful for everyone:
- It is mandatory to confirm your arrival to the trail angel in advance, preferably as early as possible. Okay, if you get stuck in an emergency late at night, we can understand. But in 99% of cases, there is no reason not to plan yourself accordingly and confirm your stay with the trail angel well in advance.
- In most lists the telephone numbers of angels are published – please treat with respect – do not call in late / early hours, and in any case it is better to start with a message.
- Some of the angels of the path are religious people / Sabbath-keepers. It is usually written next to their name in the list of trail angels. Some will expect you to stay until the end of Shabbat, others will give you Tefilat HaDerech upon your departure on Saturday morning. Sometimes you will even be invited to attend a prayer. In order to avoid unnecessary inconvenience, please make sure in advance about the customs of the place, and respect them.
- The trail angels will entertain you at their discretion, they are private people with a life of their own – not sitting and waiting for you.
- Please try to make sure to arrive at convenient hours and leave at convenient hours – you are staying with someone at home, neither in a hotel nor in a B&B, please do not overstay your welcome.
And that’s it in large. Common sense and politeness, that’s all.