Three difficult years have passed for the border moshava of Metula. Its residents experienced a prolonged evacuation during the Iron Swords War, and then, just when it seemed that quiet was returning and hope was reawakening, the 2026 Iran War broke out and pushed everything back. But anyone who knows the farmers and tourism operators of the northernmost moshava knows that they do not give up easily. This year, the moshava marks 130 years since its founding. Now, with quiet returning to the streets and orchards, the residents are completing the restoration work and wishing for only one thing: To see the people of Israel return to stroll through its streets.
"It will be very difficult to reopen"
The center of life and renewal converges on Rishonim Street, the street that is the beginning of the historic moshava. Alongside the old public buildings like the local synagogue and the library, the street features a cafe and small, picturesque, and charming hotels that invite guests to stop and breathe in the Galilean air.
Among the prominent businesses on the street, you will find Cafe Bella and Ayuni – a pizza-bar and Galilean hamara. The business is owned by Daniel Dorfman, who arrived in the area 12 years ago to study at Tel-Hai College. Dorfman fell in love with the Galilee at first sight and decided to stay. He began working at Ayuni as an employee, and about a year ago, the business came under his full ownership. He renovated the place, invested heavily, hired workers, and opened the doors, but then came the Lion's Roar war, the war that returned to the northern communities, and once again businesses were forced to close.
"This time it must not close again, because it will be very difficult to reopen," says Dorfman, who notes that the place has become kosher, allowing him to rest on Shabbat and inviting all segments of the Israeli public to enter. He believes with all his heart that Israelis will come: "As far as I'm concerned, I will remain living here, but we need life to return to the border communities."
In another part of the moshava, above the spring and the old mulberry tree next to it, Cafe Goldie is located. The food truck was established by twin sisters Lior and Ofer Fine, fifth-generation descendants of Metula's founders. The Fine family is deeply rooted, with a story interwoven with the pages of Israeli history: From the skies, in the image of family member and legendary Air Force Commander Moti Hod, to the orchard lands of Metula. The truck is located overlooking the legendary Spring Park and under the olive trees, where a huge lawn with mats and board games for the whole family awaits visitors. Alongside a spectacular view of the valley and breathtaking sunsets, you can enjoy fine and exclusive Italian coffee, fresh and varied sandwiches and pastries that change daily, cakes, cookies, freshly squeezed juices, special beers, quiet, and air that fills the lungs. The sisters, who returned from evacuation in March of last year, established the business, and after being forced to close temporarily due to the fighting, returned to full activity thanks to a portable bomb shelter donated to the park.
Another business on the street that tells the story of the period is Hasimta Burger. The place closed on October 7, and the owners temporarily relocated operations to Tel Aviv, where the burger gained great popularity and national publicity. Now, with the return of quiet, they have reopened the original northern branch in Metula, which is currently operating on weekends only.
Only one thing is missing: You
On the security front, feelings in the moshava have changed beyond recognition over the past two weeks. Tourism operator Eitan Gabbai explains the transformation: "Metula was always the most exposed and vulnerable fingernail at the edge of the Galilee Panhandle, but today, given the IDF's presence in Lebanon and the removal of Hezbollah terrorists from the fence, Metula is safely in the center of a protective fist," he said. This feeling translates into absolute quiet on the ground.
Local Council Chairman David Azoulai is leading the infrastructure rehabilitation in the moshava. The streets have been restored, gunfire damage has been repaired, and the electricity infrastructure has been entirely moved underground. Evidence that the moshava is anticipating the return of travelers is the construction of two restroom cubicles on Rishonim Street, near the council building, and for the first time in Metula's history, it has public restrooms for the benefit of passersby.
While the summer months bring heavy heatwaves that drive people away across the country and in Europe, Metula offers a natural air-conditioned refuge. In the evening hours, one needs to wear something warm and enjoy true mountain chill.
The moshava's tourism operators, including Lior Baz, emphasize that the situation on the ground is quiet and safe. "We don't want handouts or donations from the state, we simply want to work and host," he explains. "It is truly quiet and pleasant. Travelers can be brought here in complete safety. The people of Israel want to return to the North, and we are here waiting for them," he added.
The streets have been restored, the guest rooms are pampering, the public restrooms are waiting, the coffee is hot, and the air is cool – the 130-year-old Metula is missing only one thing: You. Come.