About the City |
Founded: 1921 Square area of municipality: 16,300 dunams Population: 161,000+ residents Location: center of Gush Dan – bordering the cities of Tel Aviv, Givatayim, Bnei Brak, Kiryat Ono, and Givat Shmuel. The uniqueness of Ramat-Gan is found in its parks and green areas surrounding quiet, pastoral neighborhoods, alongside the Bursa and entertainment complexes – a bustling and colorful metropolitan hub. Ramat-Gan is the greenest city in Israel, with 25% of its area being parkland. The city continues to meticulously maintain and improve its parks for the benefit of residents and visitors so they can enjoy well-developed green expanses in the heart of Israel. To the north of the city is the Yarkon River and Yarkon Park, while to the south can be found the open spaces of the Ramat Gan National Park and the Safari. The Ramat Gan National Park, which is one of the most unique and beautiful parks in Israel, attracts millions of people annually. History of Ramat-GanRamat-Gan originated as an agricultural community next to Tel Aviv. The pioneers that purchased the territory in 1914 called it "Ir Ganim" ("Garden City"), with the goal of founding a community of private farms. The first residents arrived in 1921, following World War I and the British Mandate governance. In 1926, the community was recognized as a local council. On May 16, 1933, Ramat-Gan changed its character and dimensions and became a city, which was economically reliant upon industry, craft, and trade. The number of its residents grew thirty-fold, from 136 to 4,000. The city's central location, in the heart of Gush Dan area, attracted large population, including new immigrants and native Israelis who sought the quality of life the garden city could offer. Ramat-Gan was declared a city on January 21, 1950. Ramat-Gan TodayThe city hosts the largest diamond center in the world, and one of the biggest business complexes in Israel – the Bursa (Israel Diamond Exchange) complex - where 50,000 people work every day. The Bursa is currently undergoing renovations and renewal, and is expected to become one of the leading recreation and entertainment areas in central Israel. In Ramat Gan you can find 5 institutions of higher learning, which include the leading Bar-Ilan University, Shenkar School of Engineering, Design, and Art, ranked fifth in the world thanks to its trailblazing thinking, and Beit Zvi School of the Performing Arts. Ramat Gan also hosts the largest in hospital Israel (Sheba – Tel Hashomer), 11 museums, and 3 theaters. Culture and EntertainmentRamat-Gan pulses with cultural life and art, both professional and amateur. The Arts and Culture Municipal Department organizes around 150 cultural events monthly, offering theater, music, dance, lectures, films and more. Ramat-Gan has a number of prestigious museums exhibiting Russian, Jewish, Japanese, Chinese and Far Eastern art. In addition to all of the museums, choirs, theaters and orchestras, Ramat-Gan has extensive outdoor sculpture gardens scattered throughout the city. In the city, you can find theaters, cinemas, and large shopping areas including both malls and outdoor shopping areas such as the famous Bialik Street with its dozens of diverse stores. One of the largest shopping centers in the city is the "Ayalon Mall", with more than 150 stores and businesses and a movie theater The mall's proximity to Tel Aviv and Bnei Brak, attracts an average of 40,000 visitors a day, and also offers cafés, restaurants, and a 15-screen multiplex cinema showing the top films in Israel. Ramat-Gan National ParkThe National Park, located in Ramat-Gan, covers 12 dunams, including a pastoral pond, a unique flower garden, seating and recreation areas, and 82,000 flowers in a host of colors and species. This is in addition to trees, trails, and expansive lawns reminiscent of the classic parks of Europe. Admission to the park is free, and it is open to visitors 24 hours a day. Weekly sports and dance activities for the public take place at the park, and a variety of events and exhibitions are held at the "Man and the Living World Museum" in the center of the park. During the summer, the park hosts large-scale performances by singers, and a variety of public open events for children and families. Ramat-Gan SafariAt the Safari you will find the largest collection of animals in the Middle East. It is unique thanks to the large flocks and herds that graze in its open fields. At the Safari you can meet around 1,200 animals from all over the world, and see the largest wildlife hospital, which is Israel's biggest animal medical center. The Safari serves as a habitat for the breeding of endangered animals, and is a partner in projects that study and aim to return animals to their natural environments. The Safari is a member of the "International Zoo Association", and maintains ties with international nature conservation organizations. |
