News Brief14:54 PM

(IsraelNN.com) Local Jewish leaders in the Golan said Tuesday that communities in the area continue to grow despite Syrian demands that Israel return the region to Syria.  300 new residents have moved to the Golan in the past three months, bringing the Jewish population to over 20,000.  Community leaders have begun a campaign to bring more families to the area, and say that 1,150 have expressed serious interest in coming to live in the Golan.

Tourism and other regional industries are flourishing as well, said members of the regional council.  In addition to the traditional vineyards and dairy farms, high-tech companies have begun to show interest in the area, and at least one has already set up a local office with dozens of employees.  “The people of Israel is demonstrating its love for the Golan with its feet,” council head Eli Malka told Yediot Acharonot.  “Millions of tourists come to the Golan every year, and hundreds of families build their homes here.”