The Golan

The Golan is a beautiful plateau in the historical region of Syria that is rich with fertile soil and abundant water sources. Israel has recognized it as another opportunistic area to occupy and has been building settlements since 1967 and termed the region as Golan Heights.

Much of the Syrian population fled during the Six Day War in 1967, leaving the region with a current population of about 25,000 Israeli settlers and 25,000 of the original Syrian residents, many of whom are of the Druze faith.

The reality of the occupation in Golan differs from the West Bank, in that one of the main issues is a struggle of identity, rather than the severe restriction of movement that we see in the West Bank. However, the statelessness of Golan comes with issues of extreme difficulty in getting housing permits, water rights, and permission to travel outside of the region for those who choose to reject Israeli citizenship.

In walking through the orchards and hills of Golan, there is a feeling of such beauty and peace. There is a charming joy in seeing Druze families picking cherries, in the pomegranate, quince, fig, apple trees and winding grape vines abounding as the gentle breezes blow through the orchard.

There is a palpable feeling of serenity. I find myself considering the life of beautiful community and simplicity that is central to the indigenous cultures of the region.

The resiliency of the Syrians’ rootedness and devotion to their land is remarkable and embodies their persistent hope and action for peace. We will all do well to learn from them and bestow this resiliency into our own efforts for peace-building that have true influence.