Herzliya, Herzliya

It is part of the Tel Aviv District. Named after Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern Zionism, Herzliya covers an area of 26 km. Within its municipal boundaries is Herzliya Pituah, one of Israel's most upscale neighborhoods, home to many ambassadors and foreign diplomats.

After the establishment of the state in 1948, large numbers of immigrants settled there. In 1960, when the population reached 25,000, Herzliya was declared a city.

In 2003-2005, average monthly salaries were NIS 8,211, or about NIS 1,500 above average in a survey of Israel's 15 largest cities. However, there is a large gap between the city's seven working class neighborhoods, among them Yad Tisha, Neve Yisrael and Neve Amal, and upscale Herzliya Pituah. The population is older than that of other cities in the Sharon region: 18% are under 14 years old, compared to a national average of 27.5%.

The Herzliya Marina was built in the 1970s. The city has a small airport (code: HRZ), three shopping malls (Arena Mall, Seven Stars Mall and the Outlet), movie theaters, museums, cultural centers and a stadium. In 2008, the Herzliya Cinematheque opened in the downtown area of the city.

Maccabi Herzliya current play in Liga Leumit, whilst Hapoel Herzliya are in Liga Alef.

West of Herzliya is Sidna Ali, a Muslim holy site. To the northwest is Tel Arsaf (Arsuf) and the Apollonia National Park. Inhabited from the Persian period (2500 years ago) until the Crusader period (1,000 years ago), the site contains the remains of the Crusader town of Arsuf, including a fortress surrounded by a moat.

Herzliya Pituah is a sought-after venue for high-tech companies, and its marina, many restaurants and entertainment spots have turned this part of Herzliya into a vibrant hub of Israeli nightlife.

Source: Wikipedia > Herzliya