Isfiya

Isfiya (), also known as Ussefiya, is a Druze village and local council in northern Israel. Located on Mount Carmel, it is part of Haifa District. In 2009 it had a population of 25,400.
==History==
Isfiya was built on the ruins of a Byzantine settlement. Crusader remnants have been found in the village. In 1930, remains of a 5th-century Jewish town, Husifah, were unearthed in Isfiya.Astrology and Judaism in Late Antiquity: Husifa Among the finds are a synagogue with a mosaic floor bearing Jewish symbols and the inscription "Peace upon Israel." A cache of 4,500 gold coins were found dating from the Roman period.Druze Jewish Virtual Library
The modern village was founded in the early eighteenth century. The inhabitants made their living from olive oil, honey and grapes.
The tomb of Abu Abdallah is located in Isfiya. Abu Abdullah was one of three religious leaders chosen by Caliph Al-Hakem in 996 CE to proclaim the Druze faith. He is said to have been the first Druze religious judge (qadi). The Druze make an annual visit to this shrine on November 15.The Abu Abdullah Shrine in Isfiya Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs
In 2003 the local council was merged with nearby Daliyat al-Karmel to form Carmel City. However, the new city was dissolved in 2008 and the two settlements became local councils again.
==References==
Category:Druze localities in Israel
Category:Local councils in Israel
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