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Abundant Rains Cause Israel's Deserts to Bloom

“The Lord will guide you always. He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and strengthen your frame. You shall be like a well-watered garden, like a spring, whose waters never fail.” Isa. 58:11

A four-mile stretch between Kibbutz Kalya and Ovnat in Israel's southern region is the perfect location for viewing beautiful new wildflowers. The desert seeds, dormant for years, have germinated due to this winter’s rains and visitors are flocking to see the budding desert landscape. Israel’s abundant rainfall this year has also replenished the Sea of Galilee. For nearly two decades water levels in the Dead Sea, which is the lowest place on earth, were depleted, as was the Sea of Galilee. The Dead Sea receives the overflow from the Sea of Galilee, Israel’s only fresh-water source. However, due to continual years of drought, the dam that feeds the Dead Sea remained closed. Presently, it is hoped that the dam will be opened, and the Dead Sea will receive much-needed replenishing. The Water Authority reported that the water level of Lake Kinneret/the Sea of Galilee was measured on Tues. 25 Feb. 2020 and is 96 centimeters shy of being full. The Dead Sea has nearly 10 times more salt than oceans. Visitors who enter the water can simply lift their feet and float naturally, due to the high salinity. Considered the eighth wonder of the world, the Dead Sea has high levels of oxygen and special minerals, known for their healing properties. (VFI News) 

The area is also mentioned in the Book of Ezekiel (47:12), which promises: “Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail."