Jezreel Valley

Description

Jezreel Valley Regional Council is one of the largest in the country, covering an area of 90,000 dunam, including 39 settlements and about 31,000 inhabitants. The region includes 15 kibbutzim, 14 moshavim, 5 communal settlements and 5 Bedouin villages. The latter comprise approximately one-third of the population of the region. Some of the kibbutzim and moshavim, previously dependent on agriculture, face economic problems. The communal settlements, all established in the last few years, have attracted many people away from the center of the country to the Galilee. Because of the different forms of settlement and the distances involved, the Council must provide a complex range of services for its varied population.

Education and Culture

The region has 71 kindergartens, 23 junior high schools and 6 high schools. Education is at the top of the Council's priority list. In addition to its educational projects, the Council is responsible for busing most of the pupils to and from their schools. There is also a regionally organized youth program.

The Jezreel Valley College has recently achieved independent academic status and there is an excellent Academy of Music and Dance. The Cultural Department of the Council arranges many events covering a broad spectrum of interest. In the absence of a large, central auditorium, the events are hosted by individual settlements in their own facilities.

Industry

Although the valley is renowned as the "cradle of Israeli agriculture", 7 industrial parks have developed in the last few years in response to changing requirements.

Tourism

In addition to its natural beauty, the region includes the Tzipori National Park, the Museum of First Settlement in Yifat and other historical sites. Many of the settlements have developed "rural accommodation", including local tours and special attractions.

  Adar 5764 - March 2004