Ramat Gan: Exploring the Spectacular City of Israel
Ramat Gan is one of the most culturally vibrant and progressive cities in Israel. Situated to the east of Tel Aviv, this city of 195,230 inhabitants and 14 neighborhoods is the administrative capital of Gush Dan, Israel’s largest metropolitan area, as well as the country’s second largest city after Jerusalem. Though energetic and urban, it also contains much green and open spaces – namely Herbert Samuel Park, the vast herd of sheep that graze in its meadows, and the Diamond Exchange district.
The region has seen settlements since biblical times and is the birthplace of Bar-Ilan University, one of the largest and oldest academic institutions in Israel, and is home to many of the largest high-tech and entrepreneurial companies in the country. Tourist sights like the Meir Park, Ramat Gan Stadium, and more, make it an ideal spot to explore.
History
Since ancient times, Ramat Gan has had a rich and complicated past, first serving as the burial site of Joshua, the leader of the Hebrews, and then seeing control of its lands shifting between the Romans, Crusaders, and Ottoman Turks, until the continued growth of the modern Jewish state. During the late 19th century, the city saw the arrival of the first Zionist settlers, who established a neighborhood between two villages and began gradually building the suburb of Tel Aviv.
With the city’s continued growth, Ramat Gan’s population soon spread over the municipal borders of both Tel Aviv and Petah Tikvah. Since then, the city has grown to include parts of the smaller localities of Givatayim, Bnei Atarot, Tel Baruch, and others.
Culture
Ramat Gan is known as a lively and cosmopolitan urban center, being home to the Bank Of Israel, many commercial centers, a large number of shopping malls and shops, as well as a vibrant nightlife. The city is particularly famous for the unique and colorful Diamond Exchange district, being the major center for trading and reviewing diamond in Israel.
The diamond center draws thousands of shoppers and trade workers every day, all eager to contribute to a city that inspired the Los Angeles Times to report that “Ramat Gan is a more interesting destination than it appears on first inspection”. The Tel Aviv-Central Bus Station, one of the largest in the Middle East, is also in Ramat Gan.
Herbert Samuel Park is popular among locals as a great spot to get some fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Spread over 55 acres and boasting a large lake, the park contains a plethora of attractions for children, including a zoo, playgrounds, and a petting zoo, as well as an amphitheater. Its large sculptors of varied styles – including Haim Hefer’s “The Seven Brothers” – draw people of all ages.
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Additionally, the large herd of sheep that graze the city’s meadows provides an additional source of entertainment for locals and visitors alike. The fact that the herd is still using the traditional method of sheepherding, known as “tupim”, adds an interesting cultural touch of tradition and charm.
Ramat Gan is also known for its wide varieties of international cuisines. Everything from Israeli to French and Italian, as well as Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Thai, and a great number of other cultures is offered throughout the city. Coffee shops and restaurants offer quality food and offer a great way to spend an evening in the presence of the locals.
Transportation
Though being the road and air traffic epicenter of the country, Ramat Gan is also well connected to other destinations around the country by public transportation – several lines of the Tel Aviv light rail, buses, and eventually, the Tel Aviv-Jerusalem high-speed train will be taking passengers from all around the country to Ramat Gan’s doorstep.
The Tel Aviv railway station is located in the city’s center and is connected to other public buses, while the city also operates its own bus service with over 70 lines and some 1,300 stations, offering easy access between its many parts.
Conclusion
Ramat Gan has a great deal to offer for both locals and visitors -shopping, cuisine, and great outdoor areas, as well as important historical and cultural sites. As the administrative capital of the Gush Dan area, it has become a major and lively urban center, modern and cosmopolitan, yet trying to preserve its cultural identity. It has managed to do so quite well – going so far as to cast a unique spell on its visitors, some of which will linger with them for the rest of their lives.
