Ghajar

Israel

Ghajar, also known as Rhadjar, is an Alawite-Arab village situated on the Hasbani River along the border between Lebanon and the Israeli-occupied portion of the Golan Heights. The name of the village translates to "gypsy" in Arabic. As of 2024, the village had a population of approximately 2,738 residents.

While many residents identify as Syrian, they accepted Israeli citizenship following the annexation of the area in 1981. Since that time, the inhabitants have integrated into Israeli society and are fluent in Hebrew alongside their native Arabic. The village is geographically divided by the Blue Line between Lebanon and the Golan Heights, though Israel has occupied the entire village since 2006.

Israel classifies Ghajar as part of its Northern District. Its southern portion is organized as a local council within the Golan Subdistrict.

Sources

  1. Ghajar