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Sandala, Israel

Published

01In brief

Sandala is an Arab village in northern Israel, within the Gilboa Regional Council. Its 1931 census entry recorded 189 residents in 36 occupied houses, while a proposed master plan reported in 2006 provided for housing a population of 2,700. Sandala neighbors Gan Ner, and the two communities have connections through work and shared community life.

02Overview and Location

Sandala is in northern Israel and is described as part of the Ta'anakh region.[1][4] It belongs to the Gilboa Regional Council and neighbors Gan Ner.[2] Both localities are represented within the same regional council framework.[2]

03History

In 1931, Sandala was listed in the Jenin sub-district of the Northern District in the Palestine census.[3] The census recorded 36 occupied houses and 189 inhabitants.[3]

A report dated June 30, 1948, covering Arab migration between December 1, 1947, and June 1, 1948, listed Sandala among the villages of the Gilboa District and estimated its “normal times” population at 350.[5] A separate table recorded a full evacuation on May 31, linking it to the occupation of Mazar.[5] The entry did not identify where Sandala's residents went or describe their subsequent history.[5]

On May 6, 2023, Sandala resident Diyar Omri was shot and killed following a road altercation near the entrance to neighboring Gan Ner.[6] Police investigated the circumstances, and the suspect was identified as a 32-year-old Gan Ner resident.[6] Residents of Sandala gathered at the entrance to Gan Ner after the shooting.[6] In the aftermath, regional council representatives called for calm and the preservation of unity between residents.[7]

04Demographics

The 1931 census counted 98 males and 91 females in Sandala; both groups were listed under Muslims.[3] A March 2006 report put the locality's population at 1,400.[4]

The 2015 socioeconomic table listed an index population of 1,572, an index value of −0.500, rank 205, and socioeconomic cluster 3.[8] For 2019, Sandala appeared under locality code 636, with a socioeconomic-index population of 1,643.52, an index value of −0.380, and rank 142.[9] Both tables excluded residents of nursing homes, penitentiary institutions, and similar institutions from their index populations.[8][9]

05Economy and Culture

Sandala and Gan Ner have ties through employment and shared community life. Residents of the neighboring localities were described as connected through work, common celebrations, and periods of mourning.[2] After the May 2023 killing, local and regional council appeals emphasized continuing coexistence and preserving unity across the Gilboa region.[6][7]

06Development Planning

A proposed master plan described in March 2006 was intended to provide housing solutions for a population of 2,700.[4] It also allocated land for public institutions, sports facilities, and open spaces.[4] These were provisions of the proposed plan rather than a record of completed development.[4]

Sources

  1. 1The Jerusalem Post, Two killed, two injured in four shootings across Israel on Saturday, accessed on November 11, 2026.
  2. 2Mako, The murder in Gilboa: “We are dumbfounded and asking ourselves how this happened”, accessed on November 11, 2026.
  3. 3Internet Archive, Palestine Census 1931, hosted, accessed on November 11, 2026.
  4. 4Globes, Changes to the Northern District outline plan approved: will enable plans to be approved in 7 Arab localities, accessed on November 11, 2026.
  5. 5Internet Archive, Intelligence Service (Arab Section), June 1948 Report, English Translation, accessed on November 11, 2026.
  6. 6Ynet, In broad daylight, bullet after bullet, Diyar was murdered on the road, accessed on November 11, 2026.
  7. 7Ynet, Diyar was murdered after celebrating his birthday; in Gilboa they call for calm: “We will not spoil the relations”, accessed on November 11, 2026.
  8. 8Israel Central Bureau of Statistics, 2015 Socioeconomic Table, accessed on November 11, 2026.
  9. 9Israel Central Bureau of Statistics, 2019 Socioeconomic Table, accessed on November 11, 2026.

IsraelPedia Question & Answers

  • What is Sandala, Israel?

    Sandala is an Arab village in northern Israel, in the Ta'anakh region and within the Gilboa Regional Council. It neighbors Gan Ner, and the two communities have connections through work and shared community life.

  • How has Sandala’s population changed over time?

    Sandala had 189 inhabitants in 1931, and a March 2006 report put its population at 1,400. A 2015 socioeconomic table listed an index population of 1,572, while the 2019 table gave a socioeconomic-index population of 1,643.52.

  • What happened to Sandala during the 1948 Arab migration period?

    A report covering Arab migration from December 1, 1947, to June 1, 1948, listed Sandala among the villages of the Gilboa District and estimated its “normal times” population at 350. A separate table recorded a full evacuation on May 31, linking it to the occupation of Mazar. The entry did not say where Sandala’s residents went or describe their subsequent history.

  • What happened in Sandala and Gan Ner in May 2023?

    On May 6, 2023, Sandala resident Diyar Omri was shot and killed following a road altercation near the entrance to neighboring Gan Ner. Police investigated, and the suspect was identified as a 32-year-old Gan Ner resident. After the shooting, Sandala residents gathered at the entrance to Gan Ner, while regional council representatives called for calm and unity.

  • What did Sandala’s proposed 2006 master plan provide for?

    Sandala’s proposed master plan, described in March 2006, was intended to provide housing for a population of 2,700. It also allocated land for public institutions, sports facilities, and open spaces. These were proposed provisions, not a record of completed development.