Katzrin

Katzrin (Hebrew: &#1511;&#1510;&#1512;&#1497;&#1503;) or Qatzrin is the largest Jewish town in the Golan Heights, with a population of approximately 7,300 (2019).

Understand
Ancient Katzrin (originally Caesarion?) was a Jewish town that existed from the 2nd century until it was destroyed by an earthquake in the 8th century.

Modern Katzrin was established nearby in 1977 as part of an Israeli program of cementing the Jewish presence in the Golan Heights, considered essential to Israel's ongoing security and territorial integrity.

By bus
From Tiberias: Lines 52 and 57. From Haifa: Line 503. From Beit She'an: Lines 843 and 966. From Tel Aviv: Line 843. From Jerusalem and the Samaria region: Line 966.

Get around
Katzrin is not particularly big, but to get from the town proper to the industrial zone is a half hour walk. There are infrequent buses you can take between the two.

See




Do

 * Talmudic Meditation A few ancient houses in Katzrin have been reconstructed from their remains by archaeologists. These houses look as they would have in the 1st century, complete with replicas of household tools and items. The synagogue is also partially reconstructed from its ruins. Important Talmudic readings have been placed in these reconstructed places to allow for a meditative experience for a pilgrim, tourist, or student in an area that looks and feels like an ancient Jewish village.

Go next
As the primary population center in the Golan Heights, Katzrin forms an ideal base for exploring nearby sites of interest, such as Gamla.