Ra'anana
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| Ra'anana | ||
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| Hebrew | רַעֲנָנָה | |
| Arabic | رعنانا | |
| Founded in | 1922 | |
| Government | City | |
| District | Center | |
| Coordinates | ||
| Population | 71 900 (2005) | |
| Jurisdiction | 14 928 dunams (14.9 km²) | |
| Mayor | Nahum Hofree | |
Ra'anana (Hebrew רַעֲנָנָה; Standard Hebrew Ra'anana) is a small city (about 78,000 citizens) in the southern Sharon in the Center District of Israel, Israel, 19 km north of Tel Aviv. The city is predominantly Jewish, with many immigrants from western countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, South Africa,Colombia,Venezuela,Russia, Mexico,and of late France.
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[edit] History
Ra'anana's story began in 1912 with the founding of Ahuza Alef - New York, an American company that was involved in the Jewish settlement in the Land of Israel, the purpose of which was to purchase land in Palestine, to immigrate to the country, and to establish an agricultural settlement. World War I put an end to the plan temporarily. Only in 1922, did they manage to finally build the settlement.
On April 2, 1922, two wagons left Tel Aviv with four members of the Ahuza group, three workers, and two armed guards. At the end of the five-hour journey, they reached their destination, unloaded the wagon, and decided that they would erect the first tent on that spot.
In its early days, it was called Raananya, a name suggested by its founders in the U.S. The settlement's Arab neighbors called it Americaya because most of the existing residents spoke English and came from New York City. Finally, the first settlers selected a Hebrew version of the name, and it was called Ra'anana, meaning fresh.
The mayors of Raanana since 1922: Baruch Ostrovsky, Michael Pasweig, Yitzchak Shcolnik, Benyamin Wolfuvich, Zeev Bielski, Nahum Hofree.
[edit] Ra'anana Today
Ra'anana attracts many immigrants from English-speaking countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa who immigrate there because of the ease of communication. The city also has a growing French immigrant community. [1]
Ra'anana is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in Israel. This is due in part to the Ra'anana City Council's banning of heavy industry, which ensures that the air stays clean. The council also implemented the annual flower competition, which keeps the city covered in flowers and lends it a peaceful atmosphere.
[edit] Industry & Commerce
In its northern area lays a very developed industrial area, containing the city's "Renanim" mall, many stores and hi-tech software companies, such as: Emblaze, one of the largest information technology corporations - Hewlett-Packard, the largest European software enterprise - SAP and the semiconductors manufacturer - Texas Instruments.
The east part contains some more well known Hi-Tech companies including: the telecommunications billing giant - Amdocs, the security systems and software company - NICE Systems and Microsoft Israel's head offices.
Ahuza, the city's main street, runs through the city from east to west. The street houses many stores, restaurants and coffee shops.
[edit] Education
The city has 12 elementary schools, 10 junior-highs and 8 high-schools.
The education level in Ra'anana is considered to be one of Israel's best. It also has special educational frameworks for gifted students and for students with different disabilities such as Autism.
[edit] Ra'anana Park
The park of Raanana is the largest green space in the Sharon area, the jewel in the crown among dozens of gardens, playgrounds and landscaped areas that beautify the city of Ra'anana.
The park was established for the benefit and pleasure of Ra'anana's residents and the city's visitors. The Ra'anana Municipality invested a large budget in establishing the park and continues to invest in its ongoing development. The park's administration and employees ensure its cleanliness and upkeep as well as the security of its facilities for the welfare of its visitors. The park offers visitors hours of enjoyment.
The park offers a myriad of possibilities for rest and relaxation, walking and bike paths, as well as activities on the sports fields and a visit to the zoological garden with its petting corner for children.
In addition the park offers a beautiful lake. Its clover shape is reminiscent of Raanana's city emblem. There are two fountains in the lake and pedestrians can cross over it on the bridge. The lake is surrounded by special gardens, including the Seven Species garden, and there are pleasant shaded walking paths alongside the lake.
[edit] Twin towns
Ra'anana's twin towns are:
[edit] References[edit] External links
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