Search
Close this search box.

Tel Hai

Exploring Israel

Tel Hai was a former Jewish settlement in northern Galilee. Originally known as Talha, the settlement was established in 1905 as an agricultural courtyard for six workers from a northern colony El Mutallah (Metula).


Tel Hai Monument
In This Photo: Tel Hai Monument

Following the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in 1918, a clerk of the Jewish Colonization Association, Haim Kalvarisky, purchased the land and became a border outpost. Tel Hai was given its Hebrew name and the area began to experience intermittent border adjustments among the British and French colonial powers.

While the Arabs in this area were not involved in direct conflict against the early Jewish militias, they strongly opposed the imposition of the French Mandate of Syria. They regarded this as a betrayal of the McMahon–Hussein Correspondence that was made during the Arab Revolt against Ottoman rule. 

Tel Hai Museum
Tel Hai Museum

Headed by the Russian-born Jewish commander Joseph Trumpeldor, the Zionist militias in Tel Hai wanted the area to be restored to British control. They hoped British control would eventually lead to the area becoming part of a future Jewish state. 

However, the Arabs in the area suspected the Zionist militias of being pro-French as they were newcomers to the area recently arrived from Europe. This ultimately led to armed clashes between the Arabs and the Jews. 

Tel Hai is Getting Attacked

On March 1, 1920, Shi’ite Arabs from Jabal Amil in southern Lebanon wanted to search Tel Hai. The Zionist militias in Tel Hai called for reinforcements from the kibbutz Kfar Giladi and Commander Joseph Trumpeldor and 10 men answered the call to arms and attempted to drive the Shi’ite militias away. 

An armed confrontation broke out between the Zionist and Shi’ite militias, in which six of the Tel Hai Jews were killed, including their Russian-born Jewish commander Joseph Trumpeldor. The remaining Jews retreated, and Tel Hai was razed to the ground. A total of 13 soldiers (five Muslims and eight Jews) were killed in what is now known as the Battle of Tel Hai.  


Tel-Hai-Monument-Joseph-Trumpeldor
In This Photo: Joseph Trumpeldor

At the behest of the Zionists, the British and the French finally agreed that this area of Upper Galilee was to be included in Mandatory Palestine. Tel Hai was resettled in 1921 and absorbed into the kibbutz of Kfar Giladi five years later. 

The resolute actions of Trumpeldor and his colleagues against a much larger Arab force had a strong influence on Israeli culture, inspiring both an enduring heroic story and profoundly influencing the military of the Yishuv and political strategies over several decades.

arik-about

Hi! My name is Arik, an Israeli native who dedicated his life to sharing my passion for the Holy Land with those interested in knowing more about this incredible piece of land. I’m the Chief Guide at ‘APT Private Tours in Israel’.

Did you know the Hoopoe is Israel's national bird?! For more cool info about Israel, join our ever growing community and get exclusive travel tips, and giveaways!

Simon Peter

RELATED POSTS

1982 Lebanon War

The 1982 Lebanon War is a significant and complex chapter in the history of the Middle East. This post explores its main events.

Yehoshua Hankin

Yehoshua Hankin's work laid the groundwork for establishing Jewish communities and the eventual creation of the State of Israel.

Melisende, Queen of Jerusalem

Melisende was Queen of Jerusalem from 1131 to 1153. She was the daughter of Baldwin II first Crusader ruler born and ruled Jerusalem.

Gath

Philistine Gath was one of the five main cities of the Philistines, a group of people who inhabited the coast of Israel in the Iron ...

Templers (Pietist sect)

The German Templers emerged in Germany during the mid-nineteenth century and left a huge mark on the Land of Israel. Click here for more!

Australopithecus

In this post, we explore the fascinating world of Australopithecus, unlocking the mysteries of our ancient ancestors.

Zionism

Zionism is a multifaceted ideology and movement that emerged in the late 19th century with the primary goal of establishing a Jewish homeland

Acheulean Industry

This post will delve into the Acheulean Industry presence in the Land of Israel, unearthing intriguing insights into our human heritage.

The Boethusians

In this post, we explore the origins, beliefs, and contributions of the Boethusians, and their place in ancient Judaism.

The Sadducees

The Sadducees were a religious and political group within ancient Judaism. Although they existed relatively short, they left an impact!

Need help?