The Qasr el Yehud National Park is one of the few places where Israelis can see the River Jordan close up. But don’t be too disappointed! Before the age of modern agriculture, the Jordan River, fed by rain and melted snow from Mt. Hermon, would have been at least half a mile wide in the spring. However, all you see today is a muddy-looking narrow stream. In the 1930’s, a dam was built next to Kibbutz Degania at the southern edge of Lake Kinneret, and Jordan and Israel began diverting water from the river, primarily for agricultural use. This led to a 98% decrease in water flow.
Admission details: Summer hours for Sunday to Thursday and Saturday are 8.00 AM-4.00 PM and Friday and eve of holidays 8.00 AM-3.00 PM . Winter hours Sunday to Thursday and Saturday 8.00 AM-3.00 PM and Friday and eve of holidays 8.00 AM-2.00 PM. Last admission is 1 hour before the site closes. There is no admission charge. Their telephone number is (02) 650-8444.
Driving directions and parking: Enter “Qasr el Yahud” into Waze. Shortly after leaving the intersection with Route 1, you will see the turn off from Route 90 to Qasr el Yahud on the right. The building on your right is the fortified monastery of St. John. You can also see ruins of churches from the 5th and 6th century CE. Continue until you come to the free parking lot.
JOSHUA AND JESUS AT THE RIVER JORDAN
Qasr el Yahud has significance to Jews and to Christians.
In this area opposite to Jericho the Children of Israel crossed the River Jordan into the land of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua, arriving at around the time of Passover when the River Jordan was at its fullest - "and the Jordan is full on its banks all the days of the harvest" (Joshua 3:15).
The Jordan River has two terraces. The upper one is known as "kikar hayarden" (the Plain of the Jordan) and the lower terrance, which is where the River Jordan meanders today, is called "gaon hayarden" (Majesty of the Jordan). Because of its heat and humidity, the lower terrace was once full of dense vegetation and wild animals. The Israelites crossed the River Jordan in the spring, and it had probably then overflowed onto the upper terrace.
As at the time the Israelites left Sinai, the Ark of the Covenant went before them (Numbers 10:33). As soon as the priests who were in front and carrying the ark stepped into the River Jordan the river ceased flowing:
"Upon the arrival of the bearers of the Ark and the feet of the priests, bearers of the Ark, were immersed in the edge of the water.... the waters descending from upstream stood, they rose up in one column, far from the city of Adam which is near Tzarsan; and those descending to the sea of the plain, the Dead Sea, ceased flowing, they were cut off, and the people crossed opposite Jericho" (Joshua 3:15-16).
Adam is in the location of the present-day Adam Bridge, a distance of just over 40 Km from Jericho. There is a tel close to where the bridge is now, and this is probably the site of the ancient city of Adam.
The Israelites now had a large length of dry river bed on which they could cross and the camp "hastened and crossed". Even in modern times, the Jordan has become blocked a number of times by mudslides or earthquakes. Nevertheless, the Bible points out that what happened at the time of Joshua was far from being fortuitous:
"It was when the priests, bearers of the Ark of God, ascended from the Jordan and the soles of the priests' feet were uprooted to the shore, the waters of the Jordan returned to their place and stretched to all its banks as before." (Joshua 4:18).
As narrated in the New Testament (Matthew 3:1-17 and Mark 1:4-9), Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, and this is when it was revealed that he was the Messiah. The actual site of his baptism was probably a spring close to the eastern side of the Jordan, but this present location has become established as the baptismal site where Christians come to renew their faith.
Nearby places of interest:
The Jordan Valley Monument: This monument, which looks like a giant anti-aircraft gun pointing to the sky, was designed by the artist Yigal Turmakin and constructed from old parts of armored vehicles, tanks and guns. It is a memorial to Israeli soldiers who died in the Jordan Valley, particularly those who died in the “period of pursuits”. Between 1967-1970, in a War of Attrition, many attempts were made by Arab terrorists to infiltrate into Israel. This area of the Jordan Valley became known as “Land of Pursuits” because the Israel Defence Force successfully pursued infiltrators deep into Jordan to prevent them from crossing over the river. A list of over 400 soldiers killed in attacks is etched in stone next to the monument. Also, within the adjoining park are plaques with the names of the 21 communities established here. Some are named after soldiers killed in the area (such as Argamon, an acronym of 2 commanders), while others have Biblical names (Gilgal, Patzael, and Gitit). Directions: enter “Habika Memorial” into Waze and click on " אנדרטת הבקעה". The turning off Route 90 is shortly after Tzomet P’zael and Route 505 and shortly before the Delek gas station at Mifgash Habika. The first gate may be locked. If so, continue to the second gate and there is a road that will lead you to the monument on top of the hill.
The Oren Farm in Netiv HaGedud: This farm offers insights into the life of an agricultural family in the Jordan Valley. Argan oil, which is derived from nuts of the Argan tree, is manufactured and sold here. This oil is said to have very healthful properties particularly in relation to the skin and is used in prestige anti-aging creams. A short movie is shown and there are refreshments. There is an admission charge. Call Silvi Oren at (054) 232-6116 to book a visit. Directions: enter “משק אורן" into Waze and click on "משק אורן-תיירות חקלאית". Shortly after Jericho turn left from Route 90 onto the turning for Gilgal and Netiv HaGedud.
