On February 4^th, 1997, two Israeli military transport helicopters were heading into the Israeli security zone in southern Lebanon. Shortly after take-off, they collided in mid-air. All 73 military personnel on board died in the crash. Completed in 2008, the prominent memorial was created near the crash site of one of the helicopters, not far from kibbutz Dafna. Co-designed by renowned landscapes artist Dany Karavan, the monument comprises 73 limestones, about a man’s height each, set around a round shallow pool. With the water channel feeding it, the monument’s design echoes a helicopter’s tail. The 73 names of the fallen soldiers are engraved on black blocks in the pool.

This moving monument is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle of Israel to keep its borders and people safe.

A visit to the memorial can be combined with a day tour in the north.