Red anemones blanket the Gaza border - watch

At this time of year, tens of thousands of Israelis head down to the Gaza border communities to be a part of what is called the “Red South Festival,” during which they take in the scarlet beauty.

Cycling Between Anemones 332 (photo credit: KKL-JNF)
Cycling Between Anemones 332
(photo credit: KKL-JNF)
Every February, red anemones begin to bloom across southern Israel, carpeting the ground in brilliant shades of scarlet.
This year, the red blossoms are a far cry from the scorched summer earth, which blanketed the fields alongside the Gaza border after Hamas terrorists sent hundreds of incendiary kites and balloons over the fence. 
In an interview with i24, resident Adi Gan El walked in the fields and marveled at the power of nature.
“I know this area, I know the force of nature and it is bigger and stronger than any hatred,” she said.
At this time of year, tens of thousands of Israelis head down to the Gaza border communities to be a part of what is called the “Red South Festival,” during which they take in the scarlet beauty.
“We prefer that people will come and see how beautiful it is here, rather than just hearing about us, that it is dangerous or all the problem with the Gaza border,” Gan El told i24.
The hope is that this happiness will not be short-lived.