Sitria: Memorial, Gezer Trail and Tel Batiah

Points of interest to consider when planning your trip to Sitria include a memorial in the moshav’s community center, the endpoint of the sixth section of the Gezer Trail at Tel Batiah, and an open habitat called “שמורת המאגר” (Reservoir Reserve). These places also differ in how you need to plan for them: access to the memorial requires an arrangement with moshav representatives, while the trail section is approximately seven kilometers long. The landscape is also brought into focus by a prominent hill, whose former name and presumed use offer a distinct connection to local history. This can help you decide whether you are interested in remembrance, a hiking stage or landscape history.

Memorial in the community center

The memorial is located in the community center of the moshav of Sitria, east of Rehovot. Two wood-paneled walls meet at a right angle; framed photographs and information about the fallen are displayed on them. The layout is clearly defined: the walls form the space, while the photographs and information convey the memorial’s content. Access is locked, and entry must be arranged with moshav representatives. Be sure to arrange your visit in advance. This gives you a clear order for planning: make the arrangement first, then visit the memorial.

The sixth section of the Gezer Trail

The sixth section of the Gezer Trail begins at Einot Givaton Nature Reserve and ends at Tel Batiah in Sitria. It is about seven kilometers long. This means you can factor the stage into your travel plans based on its starting point, destination and approximate length. Check current trail conditions before setting out. This is different from planning a visit to the memorial: for the route, the trail’s course and condition matter; for the memorial, you need to arrange access in advance.

Habitat, hill and local history

In Sitria, an open habitat of about 20 dunams is called “שמורת המאגר” (Reservoir Reserve). Its location can be readily understood by looking in four directions: Naan Forest lies to the east, a strip with IDF bases to the north, Sitria’s orchards to the west, and the foot of a prominent hill to the south. Its size and surroundings complement one another: about 20 dunams provides a rough sense of scale, while the neighboring features place the habitat in the landscape. The hill was formerly called “תל אל בטיח” (Tel al-Batiah); watermelons were probably grown there at the time. Tel Batiah in Sitria lies at the end of the Gezer Trail section. The hill’s former name and the probable watermelon cultivation connect the landscape with its local history.

Sitria as a destination for your travel plans

If you are looking for a vacation rental, consider Sitria as a destination if the memorial, the Gezer Trail or the area’s landscape history fits your plans. Choose your search based on the focus of your stay: the memorial requires an arrangement in advance, you should check current trail conditions for the hiking section, and the open habitat adds to the landscape experience.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Lehavot Habashan, Nahariyya, Odem, Hazon, Kerem Ben Zimra, Malkiyya, Ezuz, Giv'at Yo'av

For the broader travel overview: Israel.