Nir David (Hebrew: נִיר דָּוִד, lit. David's Meadow) is a kibbutz in the Beit She'an Valley in northern Israel. Founded on 10 December 1936 as Tel Amal, the first of the tower and stockade settlements, it falls under the jurisdiction of Valley of Springs Regional Council. In 2019 it had a population of 729.[1]

Nir David נִיר דָּוִד‎
Etymology: David’s Meadow
Nir David Show map of Jezreel Valley region of Israel Nir David Show map of Israel
Coordinates: 32°30′13″N 35°27′26″E
Country	Israel
District	Northern
Council	Valley of Springs
Affiliation	Kibbutz Movement
Founded	1936
Founded by	Hashomer Hatzair founders
Population  (2019)[1]	729
Website	www.nir-david.org.il

History

Nir David was founded on the 10 December 1936, under the name of Tel Amal. It was established as the first tower and stockade settlement (and the first kibbutz) in the Beit She'an Valley,[2]

In the 1940s, the kibbutz was renamed Nir David in honor of David Wolfsohn, second president of the World Zionist Organization. The communal dining room and two children's homes were designed by Zeev Rechter, architect of some of Israel's most iconic buildings.[3]

Nir David uses land that traditionally belonged to the depopulated Palestinian village of Al-Sakhina.[4]

Around 2010, the kibbutz fenced off the community and installed a locked steel gate at the entrance, after protest from people, who wanted access to the scenic Asi river.[5]

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  Nir David 1936
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  Nir David 1937
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  Nir David 1937
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  Nir David 1938
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  Nir David visit by Chaim Weizmann 1944
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  Nir David permanent houses 1945
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  Nir David, 1946
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  Members of Yiftach Brigade, "C" Company, at Tel Amal, 1948

Economy

The kibbutz's main income is from agriculture, e.g., field crops, orchards, and fish. Nir David Fish Breeding Farms has developed Tilapia strains with unique properties.[6] The kibbutz's "Nirotek" factory produces self adhesive and carbonless copy paper, and a metal factory exports horticultural vehicles and tools.^{[citation needed]}

Landmarks

• "Gan Hashlosha" - A semi-natural water park (formerly known by its Arabic name, Sachne).
• "Gan-Garoo" - Australian zoo, which features Australian marsupial wildlife such as kangaroos and koala[7]
• Village Inn - Lodging in Nir-David on the banks of the Asi river.
• Guest ranch - a relatively large horse ranch offering horseback training for children and adults, from basic riding to competitive, and occasionally hosts equestrian show jumping competitions.
• Holtzer Sport Center - A modern sport complex which includes a 25 m. swimming pool, basketball court and a multipurpose sports auditorium.

Notable people

• Gabi Teichner (born 1945), basketball player

See also

• Tourism in Israel

References

External links

• Official website
• Nir David Metal Works (in Hebrew)
• Nir David Tourism (in Hebrew)
• Gan Hashlosha

На других языках

[de] Nir David

[ru] Нир-Давид