Project Details

A 4×4 journey through the western desert of Egypt reveals and warms the cold peace between Egypt and Israel. This unknown and mysterious land with only a few records of people who actually have lived here yet unfolds stories of major historic events and human mankind. Driving in the historic footsteps of adventurers, armies, explorers, caravans of slaves and wanderers throughout several hundreds and thousands of years. This passage leads through old villages, beautiful desert oases, oceans of sands, natural springs, lakes and fascinating historic sites. We discover the present culture of the few inhabitants of the oases in the western desert, a culture that hardly changed over the past hundred years. Along the anthropological present stories we will tell the historic, archaeological stories – following the path of this journey.

Episode 1/ Back to You Again
The series “Hello on Four” follows a historic journey to the Western Desert in Egypt, serving as a prism for describing the chilly peace situation with Egypt. This journey, which broke the peace agreements with Egypt and was the first of its kind permitted by the Egyptians, was made possible only after personal intervention by then-Prime Minister Ehud Barak from the Israeli side and Egyptian President Mubarak from the Egyptian side. This symbolic act hid great mutual hope for normalizing relations between the two sides. Hope that was temporarily dashed by the Al-Aqsa Intifada.

Hilik and Esti Magness, the expedition leaders, are Sinai veterans. They are not returning to Sinai lightly. Some of the expedition participants who fought in Sinai recall the war days with sadness. The renewed connection with the Egyptians who accompany and protect them creates a new and friendly relationship. Amidst the complex relationship between Egyptians and Israelis, a rare desert brotherhood is formed that unites them.

Episode 2/ Oasis
The freed deer running wild is dangerous and ends in an accident in the vast sandy sea. Although no one was hurt in the overturned jeep, tensions arise, dissipating only when the convoy reaches the mythical oasis and the great Oracle shrine in the desert. After the crisis, the group reunites and Israelis and Egyptians become one.

Episode 3/ Journey into the Soul
The Black Desert and the White Desert, rarely documented, are among the world’s rare and stunning sights. Following the amazing encounter with the isolated desert dwellers and the mesmerizing beauty of the desert itself, the participants experience a profound spiritual journey that changes their worldview and sharpens their longing for home. The world is so vast, and man is so small, and that doesn’t really matter.

Episode 4/ The Journey Home
The reality of mutual suspicion between Israel and Egypt makes the journey back home difficult and complex. Memories of war and the price of peace return to consciousness, and mutual fears and suspicions resurface. Close police surveillance rescues the lost Israeli travelers in Cairo and leads them to a secure place, far from the pyramids.