Circassians in Israel

Circassians arrived at their present location from Balkans in year 1880 after 10 years of residence at Marvel-border of Greece and Bulgaria, they migrated to Palestine, the Holy Land of the three monotheist religions. Ottoman Sultan asked them to reside at Rihania (Reyhaniye) and Kfar-Kama villages. About 1000 Abedzah Circassians live in Reyhaniye and about 2000 Shapsıg Circassians live in Kfar-Kama and scores of families live in various Israeli cities and towns near their jobs.

Kfar-Kama the larger village has Jewish settlements as neighbours. Children graduate from village school and continue their education at Jewish schools.
They learn Hebrew, English and Circassian at school, National Circassian Alphabet of Caucasus is used in teaching Circassian.Reyhaniye is closer to Arab settlements as neighbours and children are able to go both Arab and Jewish schools.

Circassians serve in the army and employed in the border and regular police force. Municipal and public services are wide open to the Circassians. Circassians living in these two villages communicate in own Circassian language.
The Circassian Law (Khabza) regulates the conduct of the Circassians and settles all matters among themselves.

August Festival

Annual Circassian festival is traditionally held in August at Reyhaniye.Circassian dancers from world over comes here for the celebration. Many non-Circassian guests are invited to the celebration to expand the knowlwdge of the Circassian culture.