HOD HA-SHARON

HOD HA–SHARON (Heb. הוֹד הַשָּׁרוֹן "Splendor of the Sharon"), semi-urban community with municipal council status, in central Israel, created by the amalgamation of four villages: Magdi'el, founded in 1924 by immigrants from Russia, Poland, and Lithuania, and shortly after joined by a group from Holland; Ramatayim, founded in 1925 by immigrants from Poland; Hadar, founded in 1927 by middle-class immigrants from Eastern Europe; and Ramat Hadar, founded in 1938 by middle-class immigrants from Germany who were shortly after joined by a group of Italian Jews. After 1948 a large number of newcomers were absorbed in all four villages, the majority originating from Yemen and Iraq. In 1951, Ramatayim and Hadar were united into "Hadar Ramatayim," to which Ramat Hadar was joined in 1963, while the fusion with Magdi'el in 1964 created Hod ha-Sharon, which in 1969 had 12,500 inhabitants. In the mid-1990s, the population was approximately 27,200 and by 2000 it had grown to 38,600, with the municipal area covering 9.5 sq. mi. (24.5 sq. km.). Hod ha-Sharon's economy in 1969 was still predominantly agricultural, with 55% of its labor force working in farming. Citrus groves were prominent. About 20% of the employed worked in local industries and workshops. Commerce and services subsequently grew alongside the agricultural economy. In 1990 Hod ha-Sharon received municipal status. The Sha'arei Mishpat law college is located in the city. -WEBSITE: www.hod-hasharon.muni.il\>\> . (Efraim Orni / Shaked Gilboa (2nd ed.)