Page 26 - HaMizrachi #9 Yom HaAtzmaut 5779

Places in Israel

D'vora Brand

The SECRETS of the SHOMRON

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE, CLOSE TO EVERYTHING

ust a hop, skip and jump from Kfar we began to claim our rightful place post office, supermarkets, clothing
Saba, Ra’anana or Netanya is the once more. Gush Emunim established stores, housewares, pizza parlors, cafes,
J Shomron, a beautiful stretch of a settlement in Sebastia, which was restaurants, bakeries, wineries and
land in the center of Israel, spanning promptly removed by the IDF. It took grocery stores never far away. There
eastward from the Sharon to the Jordan a total of eight attempts to establish a are swimming pools and gyms, and
Valley, north to the Jezreel Valley and Jewish yishuv (settlement). Finally, an educational classes of all kinds. And
south to Judea. Its name is derived agreement was reached and the settlers for those who aren’t fluent in Hebrew,
from Shemer, the landowner who sold moved to Kadum, an army base nearby flourishing Anglo communities abound
the land to Omri the king of Israel to and thus Kedumim, the first of many in the Shomron, including Neve Aliza
build the city of Shomron (Kings1 yishuvim, was established. in Karnei Shomron. Almost every yishuv
16:24). Shomron was the capital city is home to olim from all over the world.
of the Israel kingdom for over 1,000 Today the Shomron houses two large Being part of a community is the heart
years. When King Herod rebuilt the cities, Ariel and Modi’in Illit (Kiryat of what yishuv life is all about. Seniors
city, he changed its name to Sebastia. Sefer), as well as large suburban especially truly live a golden life in the
The Shomron was home to the tribes of municipalities such as Karnei Shomron, Shomron.
Ephraim, Binyamin and half the tribe of Alfei Menashe, Barkan, Beit-El, Elkana,
Menashe. Givat Ze’ev, Beit Arye-Ofarim, Emanuel, One of the Shomron’s great attractions
to name a few. The Shomron Regional is the comfort and the comparatively
The terrain – mountains and valleys with Municipality has 33 yishuvim under its low cost of living. As well as nature at
flat fields – is filled with breathtaking jurisdiction and the Binyamin Regional its best with lots of clean air, spectacular
views and landscapes. The Shomron can Municipality has 49. panoramas and freedom for children,
truly be called the Land of the Bible. housing costs are also a big benefit.
We can trace the history of Am Yisrael Lifestyle in the Shomron is modern and While a 5-room, 120m² apartment in
as they came up through Nachal Tirza suburban. Bypass roads in many areas Jerusalem or Ra’anana can start at close
to Shechem, joined the momentous cut down travel time and add to safety. to 3 million NIS, a much larger 300m²
event at Mount Grizim and Mount Eival, Biking and hiking, horseback riding private or semi-detached house with a
the highest mountains, to receive the and jogging in the hills and valleys yard, will cost considerably less in many
blessings and the curses, and eventually is part of the daily Shomron routine. Shomron communities. Housing options
brought the Mishkan to rest in Shiloh. Communities cater to all sectors – range from townhouses, private or semi-
religious, secular and mixed; Bnei Akiva,
Through the centuries the region Ariel, Tzofim (scouts) and Beitar youth detached houses with yards, to terraced
changed hands, with wars and organizations are vibrant. Young and apartments and low-rise apartment
bloodshed. After the Israelites, came old find the “Israeli Dream” in diverse buildings.
the Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and inclusive neighborhoods. Education D'vora Brand, a former Olah, is a
Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Crusaders begins with day care, elementary licensed realtor in Israel with over 30
Ottoman Turks and finally the British, and high schools, Hesder Yeshivot, years’ experience. Understanding the
who called it the Mandatory Palestine Midrashot and a University (Ariel) all challenges of aliyah, she enjoys helping
District of Samaria until 1948, when it located conveniently in the Shomron. newcomers settle in Eretz Yisrael
became Jordanian-controlled territory. While cities in central Israel are not far, dybrand@gmail.com
During the Six-Day War the Shomron most yishuvim are self-contained, with Tel: +972-507-995-995
was recaptured by Israel and in 1974 kupot cholim (medical clinics), banks, Fax: +972-9-794-1997