Shayta


S-hayta, also spelled Suhayta, S'heita or Su'heita, was a Syrian Druze village located in the Golan Heights. It was one of only six Syrian villages in the Golan Heights still populated following the Six-Day War. After Israel occupied the area in 1967, S-hayta's population census was 176 people, down from 200 in 1960. In 1967, S-hayta was partially destroyed and a military post built in its place. Israel completely destroyed the village in 1971-72 and its population was forcibly transferred to the neighboring village of Mas'ade. Today, its former inhabitants are still campaigning for the return to their village. S-hayta was located near the ceasefire line between Syrian and Israeli forces.