Hebrew name: Hurvat Dayar
Location: Rosh Ha’ayin Forest
Description: The observation terrace, in the memory of Major Ilan Meir Raiz, overlooks Kfar Kasem, Nahal Raba, Highway 5 and the western slopes of Samaria in the region of Etz Ephraim and Karnei Shomron. Below the observation terrace is Hurvat Dayar, where the remains of a Byzantine Period settlement are found. The remains of an olive press and buildings from which remain a few layers of walls made from large unhewn stones. The water cistern completes the picture.
The Rosh Ha’ayin Forest encircles the city’s northern neighborhoods of Givat Ha’slaim, Givat Tal and Neve Afek with a green belt. KKL-JNF began planting the forest in 1976. The forest spans 1,050 dunams, covering the western slopes of the Samarian Mountains, which descend toward the Coastal Plain. Nahal Raba, one of the tributaries of the Yarkon River, traverses the forest.
Directions: From the Kesem Interchange, travel east on the TransSamarian Highway (Highway 5) in the direction of Ariel. At the East Rosh Ha’ayin interchange, opposite the Afek Industrial Park, turn right (south) on Kibbutz Galuyot Street and travel 1.3 kilometers to the intersection with Nahal Raba Street. At Nahal Raba Street turn right. The entrance to the forest is to the left, but there is a no left turn sign there, so continue further on Nahal Raba Street until the next traffic circle, make a U-turn and continue until the traffic light at the entrance to the forest. Now, in order to enter the forest, continue directly inwards. Travel 1.1 kilometers until the check post and parking lot. From here, continue on foot along a short path called the Pirchei Habar Path, to the observation point.
Those coming from Rosh Ha’ayin should travel to Nahal Raba Street and at the end of the street, continue directly inside the forest.