Amirim, human settlement in Israel
Amirim is a settlement on a hill in northern Israel, situated about 550 meters above sea level. The village spreads along a main road of approximately 1.5 kilometers, with homes nestled among forests and gardens, plus two viewpoints called Mitzpeh Kinneret and Mitzpeh Menachem overlooking Lake Kinneret, the Golan Heights, and the Lower Galilee landscape.
Amirim was founded in 1958, initially called Shefa Bet before being renamed Amirim, which means Treetops in Hebrew. Early settlers built the community through hard labor on rocky land, with some families from the Branch Davidian Seventh Day Adventist movement introducing organic farming methods in the initial years.
Amirim has centered its identity around vegetarian and vegan living since its founding. This principle shapes daily life visibly: shops stock only plant-based foods, meat and barbecues are not permitted, and all restaurants serve vegetarian dishes exclusively.
Visitors can walk marked forest trails or explore the village main road, with benches at viewpoints offering rest spots. The settlement has a public pool with a children's section open during July and August plus select weekends year-round, and provides accommodation in private guesthouses alongside restaurants and shops for provisions.
The community features a sculpture garden with artworks from the Israel Museum, including a steel sculpture by Israeli artist David Palombo. Friday evenings gather residents for music performances by local musicians like Miki Shaviv and Mika Karni, adding a warm cultural dimension to the place.
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