Gedera

Gedera
Established:1884
Jurisdiction:14.5 Square Kilometer
Population:12,000 residents
Location:In the center of Israel, along National Route 40, the Tel-Aviv-Rehovot Beersheva expressway. Located 10 Km Southwest of Rehovot and approximately 40 Km South of Tel-Aviv. Two new routes near Gedera are National Routes 6 and 7.
Established as:Communal settlement (Moshava)
At present:Town with Local Council
In the future:City
Biblical references:
"…(T)hese and the inhabitants of Netaimand Gederawere pottersemployed by the king…" (Chronicles 4, 23);   “…and Sharaim, and Adithaim, and Gederah, and Gederothaim; fourteen cities with their villages…” (JOSH 15:36)
The name stands for nightly livestock Compound, for biblical shepherds.
Gedera In The First Years:
Gedera was built on the lands of the village Ketera, which is recognized as the biblical Gedera. The first few years were very rough on the colonists.  The 9 men and one woman suffered extreme hardship under the Ottoman Government (Turkish Empire) as well as from the hostile neighboring villages. These first pioneers held secular socialist beliefs and most of them were students, bachelors and members of the Zionist BILU movement. As time passed, Gedera evolved and expanded. Economic initiative by the pioneers, made Gedera strong and steady. Over the years, the Community of Gedera has embraced many new pioneers and "Olim" and became a small town, involved in regional agriculture and industry development.
Gedera today:
In Gedera we value the past and preserve some of its landmarks such as the ‘Shade of the Biluyim’ ("tzrif ha’biluyim") located on the main Street Ha’Biluyim. The interesting history of Gedera is presented in the local museum. Many public institutions enrich people’s lives, such as the public library and various educational facilities including the local high school, which won the National Education Award several years ago. A new Community Center will soon be opened to the public and will include advanced sport and educational activities and facilities.
 Development:
The official Urban Building Plan embraces the guidelines of controlled expansion with preservation of the country style characteristics (low buildings). 45,000 more houses and apartments are planned for Gedera transforming the small town into a formal City. 
Commerce and Industries:
Gedera is currently undergoing a development process, with a variety of facilities serving the local business community. Three large national banks and various insurance companies are represented in Gedera.
Welcoming and unique coffee shops and restaurants serve fine cuisine, and as part of the warm and calming atmosphere, local artists and craftsmen create and present their work providing a most vivid backdrop of beautiful scenery for every outing.
Known for its healing virtues, the local climate promoted the establishment of three medical centers in Gedera, one of which is the well-known Hartsfield Hospital.
A large commercial zone will be built in the southwest part of town, planned to include industrial and commercial buildings, especially high technology industries as well as a large recreation park. This commercial zone will have the advantages of being less than 30 minutes away from the Ben Gurion National Airport and Ashdod Seaport, and in the vicinity of 2 main roads (Route 40 and toll-road number 6).

 

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