Clil is an ecological village that is unique in the Israeli landscape in many ways.
The village is situated in Western Galilee, east of Nahariya, 2 km. south-west from Kibbutz Yehiam.
170 meters above sea level, Clil overlooks a large area: from the roots of the Western Galilee hills to the Mediterranian sea. Although only 30 years old, Clil was named after remains of an older village that was situated in the same spot. According to the 80 year old archeaologist of Western Galilee a village was there even in the Iron age, the second temple, and thereafter. Some ruins and signs can still be found in the fields, such as an old "secret" aquaduct that was carved into the rock, an old Mikveh and more.
The "modern" Clil founded in 1979 on barren land, was unique in the way it's land was privately bought from the Druze, the Arab landlords, by the inhabitants and with the support of the Sochnut (the Jewish Agency). The lands were bought gradually and sporadically, so the houses were not built according to any preconceived plan. Until today it holds a different, pastoral and alluring atmosphere, with it's houses scattered across the valley and hills, in-between olive groves, carob trees and dirt roads.
(Don't worry, the main road is now covered with asphalt)
The growth of the village was slow and in Harmony with the human and physical landscape. Clil villagers love their land, and were once a bunch of hippies that respected the relationship between man and nature, so Ecology and sustainability were values that brought the very first solar energy systems to this village; as a unique one time experiment of the Israeli energy dept., after a few years of their living without electricity and running water.
Now the hippies are older, there is running water and the electrical systems are privately owned, yet still there are no electric cables hanging in the air, and the systems use the amazing solar and wind energy available in this sun-filled land.
Ecology is valued not only in energy, but also in the relationships within the surrounding community. Clils' 80 families that have come from various cultures, manifest a life that is in dialogue with their Christian, Muslim and Druze neighbours. Co-operations were made to discuss and tackle the surrounding environment and landscape.
The village hosts many artists, musicians, poets and writers who affect and are affected by this atmosphere.
Alongside these are also newcomers, young adults that out of their fiscal inability to buy land, or maybe the adventure in being avant-garde, have settled in quaint Tibetan tents in the fields.
You are invited to stay in one of these village houses called ”Satinka”, situated in a most extravagant angle, overlooking the olive covered hills that roll down to the flat shore land and all the way to the long stretch of the bay area of the Mediterranian Sea. It has two B&B rooms with private entrances, great air and beautiful light. On certain occasions one can rent the whole house, with it's spacious dining room, kitchen and lounge.
The house in Clil invites you to relax, to let go into the nature and simplicity, read leisurely, try out your drawing skills, and if you like, meditate or try out yoga poses on the balcony, under the trees, or next to the warm stove. Juditta, the owner, will love to share with you some mindfulness meditation sessions if you ask.
Not too far away there is an old castle ruin, Yechiam, a good sturdy walk through the lush river bed and up a hill, or a nice car drive, to a medieval gem. Walks through the village itself can be most pleasant, visiting the potter or the bread maker, hanging in for a chat, or walking to the old Clil well.
Hungry? Well, within walking distance there is a fabulous organic honey farmer and a cozy heart filled coffee-music-restaurant "Café Clil". For cheese and vegetarian meals one can go to "Smadar", or the humous place, "Abu Addham" in the neighbouring Arab village of Kfar Yasif.
For information:
Juditta Ben David
00- 972-77-6639903
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