Nestled in the rugged landscape of the Golan Heights, a tiny Israeli settlement called ‘Trump Heights’ is pinning its hopes on the return of Donald Trump to the White House. This outpost, named in honor of the former president’s unprecedented recognition of Israel’s control over the Golan in 2019, is eagerly anticipating a ‘Trump bump’ that could bring new life to its remote and challenging environment.
The settlement, known as ‘Ramat Trump’ in Hebrew, has faced an uphill battle since its inauguration. Despite the symbolic gesture of renaming, a large influx of new residents never materialized. Just a handful of families currently call Trump Heights home, struggling with limited job opportunities and the added strain of Israel’s ongoing war against Hezbollah in neighboring Lebanon. The constant threat of rocket fire and the resulting isolation have made life in Trump Heights a precarious existence.
However, with Trump back in the White House, the community is cautiously optimistic. They believe that the renewed focus on the Golan, coupled with the president’s history of support for Israel, could bring much-needed attention and resources. Yarden Freimann, Trump Heights’ community manager, expresses this hope, stating, “Maybe it can raise more awareness and maybe some support to help here and help our kids here.”
Ori Kallner, head of the Golan’s regional council, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the potential for Trump’s return to draw media attention and attract new residents. He proudly points out the meticulously prepared land, complete with new asphalt roads, lampposts, and utility lines, waiting for future housing developments. Standing next to a metal statue of an eagle and a menorah, representing the United States and Israel, Kallner paints a picture of resilience in the face of adversity.
The reality of the situation is starkly juxtaposed with these hopes. Explosions from rockets fired from Lebanon echo across the hills, while plumes of smoke rise from Israeli airstrikes on the other side of the border. The settlement, surrounded by the ashen ruins of villages abandoned by Syrians in the 1967 war, sits precariously above the Hula Valley, where Israel has amassed military forces for its battle in Lebanon. Most towns in the valley have been evacuated, and Trump Heights itself has been forced to send its children to a makeshift daycare in a nearby settlement due to the closure of all schools in the region.
The community finds itself in a precarious balancing act, struggling to stay in their homes amidst constant threats while facing the challenges of limited employment and educational opportunities. “We find ourselves hanging by our fingernails to be in our own community, not be evacuated, and on the other hand, we cannot work, we cannot send our kids to any kind of an education system,” says Freimann, highlighting the daily struggle of the residents.
Trump’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan in 2019 was met with widespread condemnation from the international community, which views the Golan as occupied Syrian territory and Israeli settlements there as illegal. While the Biden administration maintained Trump’s decision, the U.S. remains the only country to recognize the Israeli annexation. Kallner hopes that Trump’s return will push other countries, particularly in Europe, to follow suit.
The Golan Heights, strategically situated overlooking northern Israel, is home to a diverse population of approximately 50,000 people, with roughly half being Jewish Israelis and the other half Arab Druze, many of whom still consider themselves Syrians under occupation. Israel has actively encouraged and promoted settlements in the Golan, and the Druze residents have cultivated a thriving farming, tourism, and restaurant industry that caters to Israelis. However, the area’s remote location and economic hardship, compounded by the recent war and its impact on the hospitality sector, have hindered development. A devastating rocket attack in July 2020 killed 12 Druze children on a soccer field in the city of Majdal Shams, further escalating tensions and leading to Israel’s subsequent invasion of Lebanon.
The Golan Heights, with its strategic significance and complex political landscape, is a microcosm of the broader Middle East conflict. Trump Heights, named in honor of a controversial decision, stands as a testament to the enduring hope and resilience of a community striving for a brighter future, even amidst uncertainty and ongoing conflict.
