Identity and Sense of Place of Ghajar Residents Living in Border Junction of Syria, Israel and Lebanon

The study focuses on the sense of place among Ghajar inhabitants.Ghajar is unique in its geographical and ethnic status. It is located in the junction of Israel, Syria and Lebanon.The residents are the only Alawites under Israeli control and are isolated from their ethno-religious center in Syria. Two consecutive quantitative surveys and a qualitative study have been implemented: The first quantitative survey was aimed at determining a variety of aspects and attitudes of Ghajar residents towards Israel and towards their village. The second quantitative survey describes the national identity of the residents towards Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and Ghajar. The results represent complicated and instrumental feelings towards Israel, and a very clear and positive attachment toward Syria and towards their village.