Golan Settlement Pioneer Zipka Harel Passes Away After Receiving Regional Honor

Zipka Harel, one of the founders of Jewish settlement in the Golan Heights, has passed away. Earlier this year, the Golan Regional Council awarded her and her husband, Yehuda Harel, the Golan Honors Medal in recognition of their decades-long contributions to settlement, community development, and regional growth. The council described Zipka as a dedicated and effective leader who worked behind the scenes to drive construction projects and community renewal, notably contributing to the development of Upper Golan and pioneering demographic growth models later adopted nationwide.

Yehuda Harel, a recipient of the Israel Prize in 2018, was also recognized for leading the vision of Golan settlement from its inception, serving as the first settlement secretary, establishing numerous communities including Katzrin, and spearheading efforts to secure the region's future. The couple was the first to receive the newly restructured Golan Honors Medal, which is now also awarded to local residents.

Golan Regional Council head Uri Kalner highlighted the significance of the Harel couple's legacy as the region marks 60 years since the renewal of Jewish settlement in the Golan. He emphasized their role in building the area's Zionist roots and fostering unity within Israeli society, noting that the ongoing resilience of Golan communities, even under fire, continues to reflect the pioneering spirit embodied by figures like Zipka and Yehuda Harel.