Metula

I ` m standing here at the Israel-Lebanon border, a little town called Metula, where earlier this evening, there was a huge amount of outgoing artillery fire and potential infiltration by Hezbollah, and lots of Israeli ground troops here searching them out.

CNN Transcript Jul 19, 2006 2006

We're in the town of Metula, which is a resort town.

CNN Transcript Jul 30, 2006 2006

Apple-growing Metula beat out the neighboring town of Kiryat Shemona, originally the intended recipients of Canada's philanthropy, because residents couldn't stop arguing over where to locate the gift.

Hockey Heats Up in Tiny Village With Israel's Only Big Rink Joel Millman 2011

He has 250 protégés now, many of whom skate on ice only once or twice a year, and then only after traveling three or more hours to Metula.

Hockey Heats Up in Tiny Village With Israel's Only Big Rink Joel Millman 2011

Yet while Metula still has its share of border conflicts—it sat in the crossfire between Israeli and Hezbollah forces during fighting in 2006—this winter, Mr. Weinberg has been passing pucks to promote peace.

Hockey Heats Up in Tiny Village With Israel's Only Big Rink Joel Millman 2011

Until then, the hockey monopoly belongs to Metula, pilgrimages to which begin on Thursdays.

Hockey Heats Up in Tiny Village With Israel's Only Big Rink Joel Millman 2011

The tiny village of less than 2,000 residents doubles in size during big hockey tournaments, when players from across Israel fill Metula's hotels and guest houses.

Hockey Heats Up in Tiny Village With Israel's Only Big Rink Joel Millman 2011

Teams now draw a crew of international hockey fanatics to Metula's ice on weekends.

Hockey Heats Up in Tiny Village With Israel's Only Big Rink Joel Millman 2011

To pay for ice rental Dr. Spodek charges 100 shekels, or $30, apiece from 20 or so regulars who commit to driving to Metula each week.

Hockey Heats Up in Tiny Village With Israel's Only Big Rink Joel Millman 2011

Since then, Canadians have made a goal of supporting Israeli hockey—donating equipment, uniforms and even a second-hand Zamboni ice tractor to keep Metula's skating surfaces smooth.

Hockey Heats Up in Tiny Village With Israel's Only Big Rink Joel Millman 2011