I hold a deep affection for Israel's northern areas. Any invitation to travel north receives an immediate positive reply from me.

As the Carmel mountains emerge on the left and Mount Tabor appears ahead on the right, calm arrives quickly. My pace slows, thoughts clear, and focus shifts outward through the window.

Before the conflicts, trips occurred often, frequently with my close companion Laura Ben-David. I would relax near streams while she captured images of the scenes.

Recent wars have hindered access, and Laura's passing removed my usual travel partner, creating a strong sense of loss.

When Yael Levontin from Jewish National Fund-USA contacted me about covering the GCI opening for a cooking session with regional children, my reply was immediate agreement.

Expectations remained modest, as I knew little about GCI. The plan involved observing trauma support through activities while spending time in the North.

Proximity to the border and potential threats was also unclear at first. My prior visit this far north occurred in 2024 to honor the Druze community in Majdal Shams following the rocket incident.

We set out, and enjoyment of familiar sights mixed with thoughts about entering a conflict zone.

The quiet roads carried both wonder and sadness. The scenic North stands empty of its usual crowds, with overgrown trails lacking regular use.

Still, the wild Galilee landscapes beside cared-for fields under pressure remain a place of personal connection.

Arrival at Kibbutz Gonen, between the Hula Valley and Golan slopes, brought repeated views of the surroundings.

The highlight came next. Anna, director of sales and marketing at the Galilee Culinary Institute, greeted us with warmth.

Stepping into the advanced facility felt like entering a new realm. A striking restaurant space with open field views suggested ideal settings for gatherings.

Anna guided us through modern kitchens, pastry sections, and a flour mill that demonstrates wheat processing stages.

The institute teaches cooking alongside topics like nutrition, agriculture, taste, and aesthetics.

A recipe for rebuilding the North

Each area prompted surprise at the quality within a kibbutz setting.

The project seeks to establish the Galilee as a leading food destination while aiding local recovery. Plans include a restaurant, brewery, winery, and farm to generate employment, draw visitors, and assist producers.

Under chef Lior Lev Sercarz, the JNF-USA Galilee Culinary Institute will support the Kiryat Shmona area through food, jobs, education, and tourism.

As the first accredited multi-year cooking school in the Middle East, it targets excellence in cooking, food science, hospitality, and food security topics.

Initial student plans faced delays from wars, prompting a shift to workshops for northern families seeking brief relief from conflict concerns.

Participants arrived as typical local teens with parents, often fathers. Pairs worked in the professional kitchens on empanadas, salad, apple tarts, and chimichurri.

They received facility details and safety instructions, including practice for quick shelter access.

Initial caution gave way to conversation and shared tasks among the group.

Interviews revealed humbling responses about daily life with short warning times.

One father noted that border residents face even tighter constraints without nearby shelters.

His son valued the chance for a shared activity with his father separate from work or conflict matters.

Other parents appreciated direct time with children away from screens, while the young participants enjoyed new skills amid extended school closures.

Eli Ovadya from Kibbutz Amir described seeking a pause from uncertainty and routines, noting his daughter's focus during the session.

Shiri, 18, from Kibbutz Gonen, found the experience enjoyable and a welcome change from recent tensions.

Shalev, 19, sought to build cooking knowledge and gained mental calm from the activity.

Steve Dabrow, GCI chairman, highlighted ongoing support for communities through meaningful shared experiences that foster connection and resilience during challenges.

Departure brought renewed appreciation for northern residents facing prolonged pressures and for JNF-USA's detailed vision in creating a high-standard food center.

Work often involves difficult human conflicts, yet this effort toward positive growth for many stands as a source of encouragement and aspiration.