2. Maghar village Maghar (Arabic: المغار, Hebrew: מַעָ'ר or מגאר, also al-Maghar or Mghar; lit. the cave) is an Arab town in Israel's North District with an area of 19,810 dunams. Maghar achieved local council status in 1956. According to the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics, there were 19,300 people living in Maghar at the end of 2007. Maghar is a very old settlement, originally named "Zar" during the Roman period. It was two-thirds Druze and one third Christian and Sunni Muslim until 1852. Many olive and grape presses testify to a long history of agriculture in the area, in addition to the numerous hillside caves showing signs of ancient habitation.
3. The town of Maghar is entirely Arab with a diverse religious makeup of Druze (57%), Christians (23%), and Muslims (20%).[2] It is known for being the home of many current and reserve Druze IDF and Israel Police officers, and has recently seen construction of a new neighbourhood for demobilized soldiers. Many of the Druze find themselves at an economic disadvantage compared to their Christian and Muslim neighbours, who are not subject to compulsory military service.
