Established in 1964, Karmiel is located midway between Acre and Safed in the Beit Kerem Valley, which divides the Upper and Lower Galilee. Karmiel was one of the first cites in Israel to be established according to an advanced master plan of design and development.

It is known throughout the country for its above- average standard of living, and as a clean and well- cared for city. Over the years, assorted neighborhoods were constructed, each as individual units, with their own educational institutions and local services. The city’s unique and modern design allows for a complete separation between the industrial and residential areas. The large sections of parks, gardens and tree- lined avenues blend in naturally with the surrounding mountains. Sporting and playground facilities, an excellent road system, broad streets and good parking, are some of the additional benefits that Karmiel residents enjoy.

Population

Approximately 15,000 households and 48,000 residents live and work together in Karmiel. As a characteristically young population, the future progress and development of the city is as important to them as its present standards. According to the master plan, by the year 2020, Karmiel hopes to have a population of approximately 120,000 residents. With a history of absorbing immigrants from its inception, Karmiel looks forward to continuing this tradition. Today, about 40% of the population are immigrants from 75 countries. Since 1990, 16,000 immigrants have arrived, the majority of whom are from the Former Soviet Union.

Formal and Informal Education

The educational system in Karmiel is among the finest in the country. Educational institutions are equipped with the latest pedagogic tools. A special emphasis is placed on pre-school education with full-day options available for working mothers. There are four high schools, a vocational training center, the international Ort Technological College, a network of community youth and sports centers, nine state- run elementary schools, one state- run religious elementary and high school, an independent education elementary school, a school for gifted children and an educational farm. This is in addition to the many kindergartens, nurseries and day- care centers that are available.

The following are a number of educational projects that the Municipality together with the Ministry of Education, have implemented:

• An individualistic learning approach in all the elementary schools.
• A Pedagogic Center serving the educational system.
• Dental- care for pupils starting first grade.
• A nutrition program serving long -day kindergartens and afternoon programs.
• A music program is offered to students from grade two to standard three, while music and movement lessons are given to children in kindergarten and grade one.

In the past few years thousands of new apartments have been occupied while other units are in the planning and building stages.

Many contractors offer a varied range of different sized apartments for sale to the general public.

In addition, second -hand homes and rentals are available in a variety of neighborhoods. Although prices vary according to size, quality and location, a general range is as follows: a three- roomed (in Israel the total amount of rooms includes the lounge and bedrooms), second- hand apartment is available for $60,000 - $110,000, while a new apartment ranges between $95,000 - $120,000. The Municipality of Karmiel aspires to a standard of living that is higher then the average standard for the country.

This is reflected in many ways, among them, are the numerous awards Karmiel has received in national competitions, for quality of life, municipal management, environmental quality, landscaping, immigrant absorption and for road safety. In 2001, Karmiel was awarded the "Flag of Beauty" award, after several years of continuously winning the competition for "a Beautiful City in a Beautiful Israel".

Employment

Over the years, despite the massive population growth and large wave of immigrant absorption in Karmiel, the industrial and commercial development of the city has successfully been able to produce employment options for its residents. The industrial area of Karmiel encompasses 2,000 dunam at the eastern end of the city. There are about eighty companies, factories and workshops representing a wide variety of fields. These include hi- tech, electronic, aeronautic, metal, textile, plastic, building, lumber, carpentry, food- production, tool manufacturing, etc. Karmiel has a level A standing in the field of industry, enabling entrepreneurs to receive various governmental benefits.

Additionally, the municipality closely accompanies investors in Karmiel and has at its disposal 200 dunam of land developed and ready for the building of new factories. Recently the Bar-Lev industrial area which is under the joint administration of The Karmiel Municipality and the Misgav and Mate Asher Regional Councils, was opened, thus providing additional work options. Karmiel’s location between the Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean Sea, with neighboring areas that encompass a large network of rural tourism and Arab villages, offer work possibilities in the tourism field as well.

As the new network of roads connecting Karmiel to Acco, Haifa and Tefen make travel easier and faster, many Karmiel residents find employment in these areas too.

Culture and Services

Karmiel is the cultural center for the entire region. It presents on of the best theatrical productions of the country, as well as concerts, dances, children's theatre, shows and films. During the spring and summer months many events are held in the new and spacious amphitheater, which holds 25,000 spectators.

Each summer the world famous International Folk Dance Festival takes center- stage, with three days and nights of festivities attracting thousands of people from all over Israel and the world. All inclusive cultural and sporting activities are provided by the community centers. These include: athletic tracks, a gymnasium, tennis courts, swimming pool, basketball courts, fitness room, a soccer stadium and more.

The local country club offers high quality services and facilities such as a heated swimming pool, gym, sauna, Jacuzzi and other health and exercise equipment. A large public library is open to the city’s residents, while extensive activities take place in the many cultural clubs for new immigrants. All the services and commercial establishments residents need for their day- to- day living can be found in Karmiel.

In addition to the stores, banks, major food chains, restaurants and gas stations, there is an employment agency and an extensive list of government and municipal offices providing many services. Health- care in Karmiel includes the four major Health Funds, a 24-hour Medicare clinic, x-ray services, “day- hospitalization” and a variety of specialists, dentists, a psychological counseling center for children, eye clinics and private medical services.

For additional information please contact
In Israel:

The Karmiel Municipality
POB 660
Karmiel 20100
Tel. 04-9085503 Fax.04-9085509
Internet site: www.karmiel.muni.il

Last updated: Tuesday, August 12, 2003