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Galilee - People
Home  > Galilee - People

Galilee - People

The Galilee is a microcosm of Israel's rich cultural and religious diversity: Here Jews, Arabs, Druze, and Bedouin live in close proximity — in many cases, within walking distance. Modern towns are juxtaposed with small Arab and Druze villages and Bedouin encampments, each with its own unique character. Many towns, such as Acre and Nazareth, now contain mixed or neighboring populations of Arabs and Jews. There's a strong commitment to peaceful coexistence: Many local initiatives are aimed at building understanding between the diverse cultural groups in the region.

The Jews living in the Galilee settled on the hilltops and in the valleys, founding collective settlements (such as the kibbutzim, yishuvim, and moshavim) or electing to stay in small towns or cities. Major towns include Nazareth, Karmiel, Acre, Nahariya, Safed, and Tiberius.   

The Druze (approximately 85,000 people) live in two large and well-established villages on Mount Carmel in Haifa, as well as in sixteen villages in the Western, Central, and Upper Galilee. Some of the villages are pure Druze, some are mixed with Christian, and others are mixed with Christians and Muslims. Traditionally, Druze made a living from agriculture and many live in villages where agriculture is still the most important source of subsistence. Due to the unique relationship between the Druze and the State of Israel, many serve in the army, police, border police, and prison services.   A growing number of Druze urban professionals now live in various Jewish cities. 

The Druze are named after Mohammed, son of Ishmael Nashtakim of Darazi, a high-level personality in the palace of the Caliph el Hakamin Amralla (996-1021). The Druze religion was established at the end of the 10^th century. Monotheism is a basic principle in Druze law.

The Druze have been dubbed "the children of benevolence" and are known for their charitable acts, solidarity, hospitality, and loyalty to the homeland. They keep close ties with Druze in other countries. They have many holy shrines, the most important of which is Nebi Shueib (the tomb of Jethro, Moses’ father law) near Horns of Hittin, Tiberius. There has been significant development in Druze villages in recent years, particularly with respect to commerce, industry, and tourism. The picturesque villages have a special atmosphere created by their rich heritage and ongoing growth.  

For many years, the Arab villages were small and self-contained, with all needs being taken care of within the village. The artisans were highly skilled in ironwork, stonework, carpentry, and jewelry making, while the women made exquisite embroidered garments. Once the villagers began going out into the workforce, the character of the villages changed. The development momentum can be seen in all facets of life including education, the growth of community centers, and places of employment. Many villagers are obtaining a higher education at local colleges and universities. There is growing awareness about the environment and the need to preserve their culture and heritage.  

The majority of the inhabitants in the villages are Muslim, with some Christian villages, and others made of up Arabs, Christians, and Druze. Over the years, there has been a clear definition between the so-called “land workers” (falachim) and the Bedouin, who traditionally never stayed in one place, but wandered to find suitable grazing for the livestock. Most stay in villages today. The Bedouin settlements include “spontaneous settlements” created during the transition from living in tents to living in more permanent structures built out of tin or stone, as well as recognized settlements founded by the government. While many still continue to work the land, others are taking advantage of their close proximity to industrial areas in Haifa Bay and are joining the local workforce.  

Visitors to the Galilee will find much of interest in the towns and villages — warm hospitality, a fascinating blend of culture and tradition, and a rich history stretching back many thousands of years.