Majdal Shams is a predominantly Druze town in the Golan Heights, located in the southern foothills of Mount Hermon. It is known as the informal “capital” of the region. Majdal Shams played a significant role in the Great Syrian Revolt of 1925–1927 that was led by Druze leader Sultan Al-Atrash, who is commemorated by several monuments in the city. Beginning in the 1930s, Majdal Shams became involved in political developments in nearby Mandatory Palestine, and supported the Arab Palestinians during the 1948 Palestine war.
Since the 1967 Arab–Israeli War, Majdal Shams along with the broader Golan Heights have been under Israeli occupation, and effectively annexed in 1981, in a move internationally recognized by the United States only, so that its still considered part oy Syria. In the 2010s, Majdal Shams’ main street has transformed into a vibrant area with bars, pubs, and hotels, earning it the nickname “Little Tel Aviv” from local youth. In Majdal Shams, some residents have even enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces, and more of the younger generation apply for Israeli citizenship.
Majdal Shams is the largest of the four remaining Syrian Druze communities in the Israeli-occupied territories of Golan Heights, the other three being Ein Qiniyye, Mas’ade, and Buq’ata. While the Golan Heights and Mount Hermon are administratively joined, they differ geologically and geographically, with their boundary being marked by the Sa’ar Stream; Majdal Shams and Ein Qiniyye sit on limestone on the Hermon side, while Buq’ata and Mas’ade are on the Golan side, which is characterized by black volcanic rock (i.e., basalt).
The town is surrounded by apple and cherry orchards. Villagers sold their apples to Syria despite the closed border. However, the Syrian civil war has halted this trade, forcing local growers to sell their apples in Israel, where they struggle to compete with market prices. As a result, some farmers have diversified their crops, planting vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplants, okra, and black-eyed peas.
Local tourism is a another major source of income. Tourists often visit the village to experience its unique cultural and gastronomic offerings. The scenic landscape, characterized by rows of apple and cherry trees interspersed with vegetable plots, provides a picturesque backdrop for agritourism. Visitors can explore the orchards, participate in fruit picking, and enjoy the local produce.
The town is home to several non-governmental organizations, including Golan for the Development of the Arab Villages, and Al-Marsad: Arab Human Rights Center in Golan Heights.
One kilometer east of the town center is Shouting Hill, where residents used to line up with bullhorns to make small-talk with relatives on the Syrian controlled side before the advent of cellphones.
The Golan Heights is known for its Syrian cuisine that blends regional ingredients with traditional recipes. Key elements include bulgur and freekeh, produced at Said Ibrahim’s mill, and kashk, a fermented milk product made from bulgur and goat’s milk yogurt used in winter soups. Abu Jabel’s factory specializes in knafeh, a dessert featuring kadaif noodles, cheese, sugar syrup, and pistachios.
