Qatzrin

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Qatzrin
Hebrew קצרין
Government Local council
Unofficially also spelled Katzrin
District North (Golan)
Population 6,400 (CBS end of 2004)
Jurisdiction 12,214 dunams (12.2 km²)

Qatzrin, Katzrin or Kazerin (Hebrew: קצרין) is the administrative center and largest town of the Golan Heights which Israel captured in the 1967 Six Day War.

The town offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. To the south is the Kinneret, to the north Mount Hermon, and to the west the hills of the Galilee. Qatzrin was established in 1977 after the government of Israel decided settling and populating the Golan Heights was of prime importance for Israel. In addition, Qatzrin was planned as an urban center that would provide a variety of services to the rural communities and military bases scattered throughout the Golan. In 1981, Israel annexed the Golan Heights (inlcuding Qatzrin).

As of mid 2005 there are 6,400 people living in Qatzrin, almost all of whom are Jewish. The community was planned to grow into a city of 25,000 residents. Qatzrin has an educational system and academic centers that serve the residents of the entire region, industrial plants, and facilities of culture and recreation.

Ancient village of Qisrin
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Ancient village of Qisrin

Qatzrin is a major center of tourism in the Golan Heights due to the historical sites it boasts. One of these is the ancient Talmudic village of Qisrin (the source of the name ‘Qatzrin ’) which was destroyed in an earthquake 1300 years ago. The village has archaeological remains of a synagogue, partially reconstructed, and foundations of ancient houses. The Museum of Golan Antiquities displays the archaeological finds uncovered in the Golan.

Qatzrin is home to a kosher winery and a mineral water plant. It also has two open air strip malls.

While the headquarters of the Golan Regional Council are located in the town of Qatzrin, it is not included in the regional council's jurisdiction town since it became an independent local council.

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