Kiryat Yam, Israel

Welcome to Kiryat Yam, a beautiful city located in the Haifa Bay district of Israel. Known as the ‘Sea Town’, Kiryat Yam is situated on the Mediterranean coast, between Kiryat Haim and the Tzur Shalom industrial area, east of Kiryat Motzkin. With a population of 39,441, Kiryat Yam is one of the Haifa suburbs known as the Krayot. Let’s explore the history, demographics, schools, urban development, neighborhoods, and notable people of this charming city.

History:
The Jewish community acquired the area as part of the Sursock Purchase in 1925. The Bayside Land Corporation, a joint venture of the Palestine Economic Corporation and the Jewish National Fund, acquired 2,400 dunams of residential land in 1928. Development of a residential area began in 1939, and the first houses were completed in 1940.

Demographics:
Kiryat Yam has a population of 38,945. The northern area of the city is home to many immigrants from the former Soviet Union, North Africa, and Ethiopia. The municipality and its mayor Shmuel Sisso worked to build dozens of centers and homes to help the immigrants settle. The city is ranked medium on the socio-economic scale.

Schools:
Kiryat Yam has 15 preschools, eight elementary schools, and three high schools (Rabin, Rodman & Levinson) with a student population of 10,000.

Urban Development:
Urban development plans aimed at upgrading the old Gimmel neighborhood were blocked by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, whose main weapons development plant borders Kiryat Yam. In 2009, the Haifa district planning committee approved high-rise construction for the neighborhood, overruling Rafael’s objections.

Neighborhoods:
Kiryat Yam has several neighborhoods, including Kiryat Yam (Dalet), Kiryat Yam (Gimmel), Kiryat Yam (Bet), Kiryat Yam (Alef), Savyoney Yam, Psagot Yam, and Bne Beitkha.

Notable People:
Kiryat Yam is home to several notable people, including author and poet Avner Shats, writer Sam Vaknin, football referee Orel Grinfeld, and footballer Gil Vermouth.

Twin Towns – Sister Cities:
Kiryat Yam is twinned with the following cities:
– Kecskemét, Hungary
– Kragujevac, Serbia
– Larnaca, Cyprus

Come and visit Kiryat Yam, a city with a rich history, diverse population, and beautiful coastal views. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s neighborhoods, trying local cuisine, or learning about its urban development, Kiryat Yam has something for everyone.