Shmuel Hanavi National Park

Why is Shmuel Hanavi National Park called “Mount of Joy?” Standing here, at the precipice of history in Shmuel Hanavi National Park, you might be surprised to learn that this place earned its joyful nickname through tears. Long ago, during the thunderous march of the First Crusade, weary soldiers crested this very hill. Imagine their relief, their sheer awe, as they finally laid eyes on the holy city of Jerusalem for the first time. Tears of joy streamed down their faces, forever etching this place in history as “Mount of Joy.” Shmuel Hanavi National Park is much more than a beautiful view though. This place has been significant for thousands of years, revered by Jews, Muslims and Christians alike. Centuries of devotion are echoed in the stones around us. Look around and you’ll see remnants of a time before the crusades. This very spot was once a bustling town known as Mitspe, where the prophet Samuel, a pivotal figure in Jewish history, spoke to his people. Walk among the ruins of a Second Temple Era town, a Hellenistic Road, and even explore the cool depths of “Hannah’s Spring.” Legend says Hannah, Samuel’s mother, immersed herself in these very waters after his birth. The heart of Shmuel Hanavi National Park is the tomb attributed to the prophet himself. Over this tomb, a Crusader fortress rises, its church crowned by a mosque dating back to the 14th-century Mamluk period. Within these walls, echoes of faith intertwine, a testament to the enduring power of this place. As you leave Shmuel Hanavi National Park, remember the tears of joy that christened this hill “Mount of Joy,” and carry with you the weight of history etched upon these ancient stones.