Lachish

Location

The Lachish Regional Council is located in the northern Negev, linking Israel’s congested center and its sparse periphery.  It is situated along the strategic junctions linking Tel Aviv with Beersheva and Ashkelon with Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria.  The Council covers an area of 500,000 Dunam (about 193 sq. miles, 500 sq. kilometers, or 125,000 acres) of agricultural land comprised of 14 moshavim (cooperative communities) and one regional Center at Nehora.  The area stretches from the hills opposite Hebron across the width of Israel almost all the way to Ashkelon.  The population is approximately 7,500 consisting mainly of veteran Israelis and several hundred new residents who moved there from Gush Katif in Gaza.

Population

The development of the Lachish Region began in 1955 as part of the Israeli Government policy of populating the more remote underdeveloped areas of the country.  The task of planning and establishing communities was assigned to the Jewish Agency.  The immigrants who established the communities in the 1950s were mainly from North Africa, as well as Iraq and Yemen.  New communities are currently being developed in the eastern section of Lachish, some of which are populated by the former residents of Gush Katif.

History

The Lachish area has rich historical significance dating back to Biblical times.  Remains from the Roman period and the Jewish resistance can be found at Moshav Lachish, Amatzia and other locations in the area.  The western part was also an important strategic point in Israel’s War of Independence.  Its close proximity to the center of the country, its picturesque scenery, fresh air, open spaces and interesting archeological sites make it an attractive tourist destination.

Economy

The region specializes in flower growing and the fields of color are a sight to behold!  The flower growing, fruit and vegetable industries play a significant role in the region’s economy, offering employment to approximately 33% of its population.  There are also vineyards in Lachish (for table grapes).  However a transition to a broader-based economy is also taking place.  Young families working in the hi-tech industry, engineers and the like who are seeking the kind of quality of life which be found in a country setting, are beginning to move to the area.

Mayor Danny Moravia

The mayor of the Lachish Regional Council is Danny Moravia, who was elected in January 2004.  Danny was born and raised in the Lachish Region.  Upon completion of high school, Danny became an army “SEAL”.  After the army, Danny worked in agriculture growing flowers; he went into marketing and became the exclusive marketer of flowers to 400-500 supermarkets in Israel.  Danny volunteered in his own community, which brought him in touch with the political world.