Business as usual in the Golan

With 'Syrian channel' again on the agenda, residents choose to ignore rumors of possible evacuation
Hagai Einav

All is well: Golan Heights residents find no cause for concern in reports that Israel will withdraw from the Heights in the event of a peace deal with Syria.

On the ground, the population of the Golan continues to grow; the last three months have seen an influx of 300 new residents, bringing the total number of Jewish residents in the area to 20,000.

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A new campaign for settling the Golan attracted the interest of around 1,150 Israelis in the last week alone. Forty percent of those interested currently reside in the center of the country.

Industry in the area has also experienced a significant boost in recent months. Alongside the region's dairy farms, wineries, oil presses, tourist attractions, and bottled water plants- the high tech firm Multi Source began operations in the Golan several months ago.

The company, with around 40 employees, will soon be joined by a number of other businesses planning on relocating to the area.

Tourists flock to Golan Height's Mt. Hermon ski park (Photo: Effie Shrir)

In the southern community of Bnei Yehuda, construction of a new mall is well under way. The mall, which will provide area residents with employment and entertainment, is expected to open next year. Additional projects in the fields of agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure have all been accelerated in recent months.

Emotional Bonds

In an interview with ynet, Golan local council head Eli Malka said, "In the past few years the Golan Heights have become for Israelis a desirable destination to travel and settle in. The nation of Israel is showing its love for the Golan by voting with its feet- millions of tourists come to the Golan every year and hundreds decide to move here.

"This encounter between millions of Israeli tourists and important historical sites, ancient synagogues, vineyards, rivers, and of course the residents and settlements in the area- creates a strong emotional connection with the Golan."

Malka added that the large tourist presence in the area had led entrepreneurs to discover the area's latent potential.

"We are broadening our horizons regarding advanced technology and high tech alongside tourism and working the land, a trend which will only continue in the coming years. We trust the vast majority of Israeli citizens, interested in a peace which keeps the Golan under Israeli sovereignty."