Ramat Gan, Ramat Gan

Ramat Gan was established in 1921 as a moshava, a communal farming settlement. At the end of 2007, the population was 133,400.

In 1955, it had a population of 55,000. The first mayor of Ramat Gan was Avraham Krinitzi who remained in office for 43 years. In 1961, the municipal area of Ramat Gan expanded westward, to encompass the area that includes the Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer, and eastward, to encompass the area around Bar Ilan University. In 1968, the world's largest diamond exchange opened in Ramat Gan.

According to a 2007 survey, Ramat Gan was the second most tranquil region in the Gush Dan area, 234 votes behind Ramat Hasharon.

Also headquartered in the city is the Histadrut trade union. Located to the south of Ramat Gan is the Hiriya, the largest waste dump in the Middle East.

Ramat Gan operates two cinemas complexes: the Lev-Elram Cinema and the "Yes Planet" megaplex.

The Museum of Israeli Art showcases Israeli artwork, whilst the adjoining Kiryat Omanut houses sculpture galleries and a ceramics studio. The Museum of Russian Art, Museum of Jewish Art, and the Yehiel Nahari Museum of Far Eastern Art are also located in Ramat Gan.

The make up of the city's 25 seat City Council is: Ramat Gan First 6, Labor 3, Likud 3, Sun 2, Meretz 3, Trufa, 2, Shas 2, Mafdal 3, and Another Ramat Gan 1.

The city is also the location of the Shenkar College of Engineering and Design, Ramat Gan College, and Beit Zvi acting college.

Ramat Gan Stadium is Israel's national football stadium. Seating 41,583, it is the largest stadium in the country. Hakoah Amidar Ramat Gan (based at the Winter Stadium) and Hapoel Ramat Gan (based at the HaMakhtesh Stadium in neighbouring Giv'atayim) are the city's main football clubs, both having won the championship at some point in their history. Beitar Ramat Gan and Shikun Vatikim Ramat Gan both play in the South A Division of Liga Bet, the fifth tier. The now-defunct clubs Maccabi Ramat Gan and Maccabi Ramat Amidar were both involved in mergers which formed Hakoah Amidar. In basketball, Ironi Ramat Gan plays in Ligat HaAl, the top division. The Beetles Club of Israel meets every Friday in Ramat Gan, bringing together lovers of Volkswagens.

Source: Wikipedia > Ramat Gan