Historic Hotel Reopens on Israel’s Northern Border

By Elchanan Poupko

Overlooking Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, the Lishansky Hotel in the northern city of Metula has seen a lot over the past two years. Standing tall since 1936, the hotel has long been a symbol of Israeli history and perseverance. Yet nothing in its more than ninety years of existence could have prepared it for the devastation brought by Israel’s recent war with Hezbollah. Damage from Hezbollah missiles can be seen throughout Metula.

And while much of the world is focused on the success of Israel’s pager operation and war against Hezbollah, hotel owner Yisrael Lishansky is charting his own kind of victory: he’s reopening his hotel sooner than anyone expected.

While many residents and business owners are hesitant to return, Lishansky sees reopening as a family mission to help Israel’s north thrive again. A descendant of Mala and Meir Lishansky—who founded the hotel and fought alongside the legendary Joseph Trumpeldor in Tel Hai—Yisrael views rebuilding the north as a direct continuation of his family’s legacy.

Though the Lishansky Hotel did not take a direct hit from Hezbollah rockets, the nearby blasts, shockwaves, and prolonged 18-month closure under evacuation orders left their mark. Just one day after a ceasefire with Lebanon was announced, Lishansky returned to a nearly unrecognizable Metula, beginning repairs and readying the hotel for guests.

Speaking to i24NEWS, Lishansky acknowledged that tourism in Israel’s north is not what it once was—but he’s taking the chance anyway. He said he would let people know the Lishansky Hotel can now be found on Booking’s site, and that he looks forward to welcoming guests back to Metula.