Ofer
Place in Haifa, Israel
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ofer (Hebrew: עופר, lit. 'Fawn') is a moshav in northern Israel. Located south of Haifa, it falls under the jurisdiction of Hof HaCarmel Regional Council. In 2023 it had a population of 598.[1]
Ofer
| |
|---|---|
| Etymology: Fawn | |
| Coordinates: 32°37′22″N 34°58′56″E | |
| Country | |
| District | Haifa |
| Council | Hof HaCarmel |
| Affiliation | Moshavim Movement |
| Founded | 1950 |
| Founded by | Indian and Iranian Jewish refugees |
| Population (2023)[1] | 598 |
History
The moshav was founded in 1950 by immigrants from India (mainly Cochin) and Iran. Its name is derived from Ayn Ghazal (lit. Deer Spring), the depopulated Palestinian village on whose land it was built.[2] It is also on some of the land of the depopulated villages of Khirbat Al-Manara[3] and Khirbat al-Sawamir.[4]
Agricultural income is derived from raising cattle, sheep and chickens, growing vegetables and flowers, and tourism.[citation needed] A circular nature trail loops around moshav Ofer, the Paamon Cave and a large section of the Carmel Beach Forest.[5]