The Oil Press, Avtalion

On the way to Hararit, while marveling at the spectacular view of the Galilee, my eye caught a small and inviting sign that read “Oil Press” in Avtalion. Immediately the thought crossed my mind – indeed, our olive oil at home was running out, and how fitting it would be to stop and purchase Israeli olive oil, high-quality and fresh straight from the source. I promised myself I would visit there on the way back.

On the way back, after a short drive down the narrow and winding road 7955, I arrived at a magical and quiet place, surrounded by ancient and broad-trunked olive trees that stood peacefully along the way. The place seemed frozen in time – a few picturesque houses and an open mountain view, blending with the delicate scent of ripe olives. Outside stood the modest oil press, where I met Peretz, the owner, who seemed as if he was part of the natural landscape of the place, along with two other customers who had come to stock up on fresh oil.

Peretz welcomed me with a smile and explained that this was the best time to arrive – harvest season! The local olive trees were literally bending under the weight of the green and black olives, each one looking full of juice and ready to become oil. From the conversation with Peretz, I learned that the olives are harvested by patient hand work, and then carefully pressed here on site to ensure quality oil. He recommended that I come specifically at night when the oil press is bustling with activity.

With a slight feeling of excitement, I approached one of the trees, picked a large black olive directly from the tree and bit into it – a tangy and slightly bitter taste that blended with the wonderful scent of the tree and the earth around it. Then another one and another one and twenty more. After this unique tasting experience, I purchased two cans of oil, which were filled on site with especially fresh oil from olives that were harvested just 48 hours earlier! When I returned home, I couldn’t resist and opened the can for a first taste. The oil is rich and thick, and the taste – wonderful. A feeling of slight sharpness alongside a deep aroma that reminded me of the clear air of the Galilee and the olive trees scattered across the expanses.

The pastoral quiet was suddenly replaced by the harsh and sharp sound of a siren, which echoed between the mountains and valleys. At first, the sound was almost unreal within this tranquility, as if it came from another world, but we immediately came to our senses and ran quickly to the safe room. The slow and relaxed walk that was just a moment ago turned into a small and quick run, and when we reached the protected space, thoughts were interrupted by the emergency routine, an annoying oxymoron  that constitutes our lives in 2024. Despite the heart beating strongly, a brief casual conversation restored the peaceful atmosphere, and only reminded how many contrasts can exist side by side in this land.

On the way out of the oil press, my eyes caught an almost hidden entrance, which at first glance could look like a private path or a small passage that doesn’t lead anywhere. Curiosity overcame me, and I approached to discover that in this passage was hidden a place with some wooden tables and chairs, surrounded by wild trees and bushes. In better days this is a small and simple café, a place for residents and passersby who want to rest, drink coffee and enjoy the open air of the Galilee.

From this corner opened before me a spectacular view – a landscape that spread across the Sakhnin Valley, Carmiel, Mount Achim, and on the distant horizon also appeared a thin blue line of the Mediterranean Sea. The olive trees around were loaded with black olives, yellow mustard bushes sprouted from everywhere, and they too were fresh and slightly sharp to the touch of the tongue when I picked from them to taste. Beside them, cascading vines were loaded with grape clusters that had already begun to dry and change color, acquiring that special texture of half-dried raisins.

All these details connected in my eyes into one natural harmony. I photographed a wide panorama that captures all the details, to remember this place exactly as it was – simple, quiet, full of life.

From there I continued on my way to Manof, to check out the view that was promised to me.