Ariel (city)

{{Infobox Israel municipality |name=Ariel |image3=Arieal, Shomron(Storms 04).jpg |imgsize3=300px |caption3= |image=Coat of arms of Ariel.png |imgsize=100 |hebname= |arname=اريئيل |meaning=Lion of God |founded=1978 |type=city |typefrom=1998 |stdHeb= |altOffSp= |altUnoSp= |district=js |population=17,600 including 7,000 immigrants who came to Israel after 1990. It is the fourth largest Jewish settlement city in the West Bank.

In Hebrew, Ariel (pronounced Ari'el), literally means 'Lion of God'. "Ari" (Lion) in Hebrew is also a synonym for bravery and courage and it is also the symbol of the tribe of Judah. Ariel in the Hebrew Bible is one of the names for Jerusalem and the Temple of Jerusalem (Isaiah 29:1-8). In July 2009, the city council approved the mayor's proposal to name the city after former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. The final decision is ultimately made by the Israeli government's 'Name Committee'.

The international community considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law, but the Israeli government disputes this.

History

At the beginning of 1978, a group of Israelis formed in order find a location in the hills of the northern part of the West Bank to create a new residential area. The made a formal request to the government to be given land to build a new community and were given three options by the army; the area near the 'lone tree' which would later become Barkan, the area which would later become Kfar Tapuach, and a hill near Kifl Hares that was known to the local Arabs as ' Jabel Mawat', the hill of death, because of inhospitable terrain.

The leader of this group, Ron Nachman, chose the spot because of its strategic location on a possible Jordanian invasion route towards Israel's main population centre of Tel Aviv. In the spring of 1978, some of the group's men erected tents on the chosen hilltop, and in August 1978, a total of forty families came to live.

The original members of the group had gone through a screening process in order to put together a proper quality mix of skilled adults as well as young families that would be prepared psychologically to withstand starting a new settlement from scratch with little infrastructure and modern comforts. There were no paved roads or paths. Water was supplied periodically by a tanker truck. Electricity was provided by a generator since no electrical network existed in that area. Tents were replaced by prefabricated concrete blocks which served as living quarters, schools, and an infirmary. On September 1, 1978 the school year was officially opened.

As the community grew, a more heterogeneous mix of people joined the group including traditional Jews, as well as Orthodox Jews, though the city has kept its predominantly secular nature. The city now includes fourteen synagogues of various ethnic divisions of Orthodox Judaism.

The city has several shopping centres, two different industrial zones (divided into light and heavy industry), a library, and sports clubs.

In July 2008, Israel approved the construction of 27 new factories in Ariel, which were expected to be completed by September 2009.

Political status

Like other settlements in the Israeli-occupied territories, Ariel is considered illegal under international law, though Israel disputes this. A series of Israeli governments has insisted that Ariel be included within Israel's future borders under any future peace treaty. The Israeli Ministry of the Interior gave the municipality of Ariel the status of a city council in 1998. In January 2010, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accompanied by leading figures in his governing coalition, declared Ariel the "capital of Samaria", and an integral part of Israel.

Geography

Ariel is situated about east of the Green Line and west of the Jordan River, Jordan's western border. Ariel is adjacent to the Palestinian Authority town of Salfit and southwest of Nablus. It is approximately east of Petah Tikva, and East of Tel Aviv to which it is connected by the Highway 5 and northwest of Jerusalem, to which it is connected by Highway 60.

Ariel's jurisdiction spans , and borders the Palestinian towns and villages Salfit, Marda and Iskaka.

Higher education

Ariel is home to the Ariel University Center of Samaria, founded in 1982. Current enrollment is 10,000 students, consisting of both Jewish and Arab students. In 2005, the Israeli government voted to support upgrading the College to university status. The change of status was not immediate since the decision only allowed the college to apply for revision by the Council for Higher Education in Israel which must ultimately approve any change. University status is an issue of prestige, increased government funding, as well as the ability to open post-graduate studies (which are already offered at the college) and issue doctorate degrees. Formerly called the 'Academic College of Judea and Samaria', it changed its name in August 2007 in the interim period and anticipation of achieving the more prestigious 'university' status.

Theater and boycott

The state-funded Ariel Center for the Performing Arts opened on November 8, 2010 with a performance of Piaf by the Beersheba Theater company. These performances are being boycotted by sixty of Israel's most prominent actors, writers, and directors, including Joshua Sobol, who refuse to perform in settlements because it would "strengthen the settlement enterprise". Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other right-wing commentators characterized this as a "boycott... against Israel's citizens". The boycott is being supported by other Israeli artists such as Amos Oz, David Grossman, and Dani Caravan,; 150 U.S. actors have supported them in an open letter.

West Bank barrier

The Israeli West Bank barrier was originally planned to extend out from the Israeli border to Ariel, but challenges before the Israeli Supreme Court and international pressure have stopped it for now. Instead, Ariel has its own security fence surrounding it on three sides.

International relations

Twin towns — Sister cities

Ariel is twinned with: Heredia, Costa Rica Mobile, Alabama, United States

Gallery

References

Notes

External links

Ariel home page

College of Judea & Samaria home page

Nefesh B'Nefesh Community Guide for Ariel, Israel

Tehilla Community Guide for Ariel, Israel

Places To Visit In Israel - Ariel

Category:Cities in the West Bank Category:Mixed Israeli settlements Category:Populated places established in 1978