Cities & Towns

Despite its small size, Israel boasts many vibrant cities and towns. The large number of urban communities reflects both the strong national desire to settle the entire Land of Israel, and the need to house the high number of Jewish immigrants who have arrived here over the last 100 years.

This reality is, as with most everything in Israel, rooted in biblical prophecy. The Lord promised to bring His people Israel back to their land, and to plant them in their former cities again.

And they shall rebuild the old ruins, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations. (Isaiah 61:4)

Nor is this the end of the story. God also promised that He would spread prosperity throughout their cities, which He calls His, and to again choose Jerusalem, His holy city and the eternal capital of Israel.

Again proclaim, saying, "Thus says the LORD of hosts: 'My cities shall again spread out through prosperity; the LORD will again comfort Zion, and will again choose Jerusalem.'" (Zechariah 1:17)

The cities and towns of Israel are rich and diverse in culture and atmosphere, often combining an old world atmosphere with a very modern way of life to produce a living experience like no other. The nation's millenia of history and heritage can still be clearly felt despite the modern accommodations.

 

Israel is also a meeting place between East and West, with a blend of both cultures as immigrants from all nations of the West lived side by side with inhabitants from the East. All of this makes for the rather unique cultural atmosphere that prevails in most of Israel's rural and suburban settings.