Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut
Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut
| |
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City(from 2003) | |
Coordinates:31°54′27.55″N35°0′27.41″E/ 31.9076528°N 35.0076139°E | |
Country | ![]() |
District | Central |
Founded | 2003 (merger) 1993 (Modi'in) 1985 (Maccabim) 1987 (Re'ut) |
Government | |
• Mayor | Haim Bibas |
Area | |
• Total | 50,176dunams(50.176 km2or 19.373 sq mi) |
Population (2022)[1] | |
• Total | 99,171 |
• Density | 2,000/km2(5,100/sq mi) |
Website | http:// modiin.muni.il |
Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut(Hebrew:מוֹדִיעִין-מַכַּבִּים-רֵעוּתMōdīʿīn-Makkabbīm-Rēʿūt) is a city located in central Israel, about 35 kilometres (22 mi) southeast ofTel Avivand 30 kilometres (19 mi) west ofJerusalem,and is connected to those two cities viaHighway 443.In 2022 the population was 99,171.[1]The population density in that year was 1,794 people per square kilometer.
The modern city was named after the ancient Jewish town ofModi'in,which existed in the same area. Modi'in was the place of origin of theMaccabees,the Jewish rebels who freed Judea from the rule of theSeleucid Empireand established theHasmonean dynasty,events commemorated by the holiday ofHanukkah.The modern city was built in the 20th century. A small part of the city (the Maccabim neighborhood) is not recognized by theEuropean Unionas being in Israel, as it lies in what the1949 Armistice Agreement with Jordanleft as ano man's land,and wasoccupiedin1967by Israel after it was captured from Jordan together with theWest Bankproper.[2][3]
Etymology
The name "Modi'in" (Hebrew:מודיעין) derives from the ancient Jewish village "Modi'im"[4]of the high priestMattathiasand his five sons, which was located in the same area as the modern city. The name "Maccabim" is Hebrew for theMaccabeesand is a common nickname given to Mattathias and his five sons.
History and archaeology
Ancient Modi'in
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e2/Modiin1870s.jpg/220px-Modiin1870s.jpg)
During classical antiquity, a town namedModi'in(Greek:Μωδεειμ,Mōdeeim)[5]existed in the general area of the modern city. It was the place of origin of theMaccabees,a group of Jewish rebel warriors who started and led theJewish revoltagainst theSeleucidrule over Judea and theHellenisationof its Jewish population. The revolt succeeded in driving out the Selucids, and the rededication of theSecond Templeat the end of the revolt is commemorated by the Jewish holiday ofHanukkah.After expelling the Selucids, the Maccabees formed theHasmonean dynasty,which ruled Judea in the 2nd and 1st centuriesBCE.[6][7]
UnderJustinian,the Byzantine town in the area was known as Moditha (Μωδιθα).[5]
An ancient Jewish fortifiedhomesteaddating from theHellenistic periodthrough to the Bar Kokhba revolt has been discovered in the area.[6]Archaeologists discovered what one of them suggested might be an orderly numismatic collection of 16 silvertetradrachmsanddidrachms(shekelsandhalf-shekels) minted in the city ofTyreduring the reign of two Seleucid kings.[6]They further unearthed artifacts and structures from the Hasmonean period, theGreat Revolt(66–74 CE) and theBar Kokhba revolt(132–135 CE), including arock-hewn hiding complexentered through amikveh(ritual bath). [6]
Modern Modi'in is located near the site of the ancient Modi'in described in theTalmud,though the specific location is uncertain. Possibilities areSubanear Jerusalem, Umm el-'Umdan near Route 20 toCanada ParkandLatrun,al-Midya,[8]andKhirbet el-Burj(Titura[9][10][11]/Horbat Tittora).
Umm el-Umdan
Umm el-Umdanis an archaeological hilltop site near the southern Moriah (Buchman) neighbourhood of Maccabim Reut, towards Latrun Junction. The six main settlement strata excavated date to thePersian,Hellenistic,Roman,Byzantine,andEarly Muslimperiods. However, the main findings are from a rural settlement from theHasmoneanthrough to the Early Roman periods. It contains the remains of a synagogue dated to the end of the 2nd-beginning of the 1st century BCE (Hasmonean period), in use till 132 CE (Bar Kokhba revolt). It has a 1st-century CEmikvehstanding next to it.[12]
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/11/%D7%9E%D7%95%D7%93%D7%99%D7%A2%D7%99%D7%9F_-_%D7%9E%D7%91%D7%A6%D7%A8_%D7%94%D7%97%D7%A9%D7%9E%D7%95%D7%A0%D7%90%D7%99%D7%9D-JNF043309.jpeg/220px-%D7%9E%D7%95%D7%93%D7%99%D7%A2%D7%99%D7%9F_-_%D7%9E%D7%91%D7%A6%D7%A8_%D7%94%D7%97%D7%A9%D7%9E%D7%95%D7%A0%D7%90%D7%99%D7%9D-JNF043309.jpeg)
Titura/Horbat Tittora
Horbat Tittora, located on a hill at Modi'in, shows signs of habitation from theChalcolithicto theOttomanperiod, with continuous habitation from theIron AgeII in theFirst Temple periodthrough to theByzantineperiod and some traces from theEarly Muslim,Mamlukand Ottoman periods.[13][14]
Crusader castle at Titura
The ruins of aCrusadercastle have been excavated at Titura/Tittora. The findings from the castle's courtyard, which has also been used as a kitchen, include various kitchenware as well as bronze and silver jewelry lost by the medieval female kitchen staff.[14][15]
Preservation efforts
Lack of interest in archaeological sites during the construction of the new city led to the loss of important archaeological vestiges.[7]Through the effort of several individual citizens, worse destruction could be avoided at Titura and Umm el-Umdan, with authorities taking over the preservation of the surviving sites, while the public actively included the Hasmonean antiquities into their annual Hanukkah rituals.[7]
Modern city (est. 1985-1996)
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/27/Modi%27in-Maccabim-Re%27ut_-_Depopulated_Palestinian_Villages.png/250px-Modi%27in-Maccabim-Re%27ut_-_Depopulated_Palestinian_Villages.png)
The modern city was founded in the late 20th century. The city of Modi'in was built in the 1990s, and it was later merged with the nearby towns of Maccabim and Re'ut, which had been founded in the 1980s, to create the unified municipality of Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut. Modern Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut's municipal boundary encompasses a number of depopulated Palestinian villages:Ajanjul,Barfiliya,Bayt Shanna,Bir Ma'in,Al-Burj,Innaba,Khirbat al-Buwayra,Kharruba,andAl-Kunayyisa.
In 1985, the construction of the town of Maccabim, which was led by the InternationalMaccabiorganization began, and the project of founding nearby Re'ut, led by an association of Israeli army officers, started in 1987. The towns were united into Maccabim-Re'ut in 1990.
According toARIJ,Israel confiscated land from twoPalestinianvillages for the construction of Maccabim, presently part of Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut: 1,499dunamsfromBeit Sira[16]and 471 dunams fromSaffa.[17][18]
The cornerstone of Modi'in was laid in 1993. It was built as a modernplanned citywith high standards of urban planning. Environmental issues and future growth were taken into consideration from the early design stages. Largegreenspaceswere incorporated into the city's layout and comprise 50% of the area within the city limits. The city was opened for residency in 1996.
In 2003, the Israeli Interior Ministry unified Modi'in and Maccabim-Reut into a single city.
Demography
Modi'in has become a magnet forJerusalemresidents displeased with the capital's growingHaredicharacter.[19]Thousands of residents ofRosh HaAyin,Lod,andRamlahave also relocated to Modi'in.[19]In 2008, it was decided to cap the growth of Modi'in to allow for the development of Lod and Ramla.[19]The city was planned by the well-known architectMoshe Safdie.According to the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics, the city is rated at level 8 out of 10 on the scale of socio-economic development, with a high proportion of high school graduation, 76.5% (2006–07), and an average monthly income of 9,659NIS,compared to a national average of 7,466 (2006). Modi'in has attracted a large community ofolim(Jewish immigrants) from English-speaking countries.[20]
Controversy
In 2012, the European Union reclassified the small part of Modi'in originally founded as the community of Maccabim as aWest Bank settlementsince it had been established in theno man's landaccording to the1949 Armistice agreements.The effect of this redefinition was to deny the affected area (which is exclusively green-leaf residential) a range of preferential tax benefits that would normally be conceded on Israeli products exported to Europe.[3]The decision was made to implement a 2010 ruling of theCourt of Justice of the European Union.[3]The move sparked a diplomatic controversy.
City plan
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a7/Modnall021.jpg/220px-Modnall021.jpg)
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/Parkannabe001.jpg/220px-Parkannabe001.jpg)
The original city of Modi'in is laid out around a central hub, with the main arterial spokes organized asdual carriageways.Each side of the artery is a one-way street, and in between is a widegreen space,withlinear parks,playgrounds, schools, and some small commercial centers. Short lateral stubs fed bycontinuous-flow intersectionturn lanes allow drivers to traverse the green spaces and effect a U-turn onto the artery's opposite direction lanes. These stubs also serve as the entranceways for the schools and mini-malls, preventing parking traffic from blocking the high-speed, left lanes of the arteries. The right shoulders of most arteries do, however, allow parking, except in the pullouts for bus stops, next to fire hydrants, etc.
The city center is a largetraffic circlepunctuated bytraffic lights.On the north side of the circle is thecentral train station,to the northeast is the Azrielishopping mall(pictured), and to the west and south is the Anaba park (also pictured), which contains a small artificial lake used for recreationalboating.The traffic circle straddles a major northeast–southwest artery, HaHashmona'im Blvd., that connects to the southwest withroute 431(which has its eastern terminus in south Modi'in and extends west toRishon LeZion), and to the northeast withroute 443(at Shilat Junction) providing connectivity toJerusalem(southeast) andLod(northwest).
Approximately 5 km (3 miles) west-northwest of the city center is an industrial zone, and to the west (on route 431) is the Yishpro commercial center. The latter is also accessible via an additional Modi'in train station,Paatei Modi'in(Hebrew:פאתי מודיעין,"Modi'in outskirts" ). The industrial zone is also linked to route 443 via its own interchange, between Shilat Junction and the Maccabim Junction at the eastern side of the Ben ShemenJNFforest. This keeps most of the commercial traffic out of the city proper, so that the two arteries between the city and its industrial zone (Emek HaEla and HaShdera Hamerkazit) carry primarily commuters rather than trucks.
The long-term projection of the Ministry of Housing is for the city to be home to 240,000 residents. However, plans approved thus far are for 120,000 residents.
Neighborhoods
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5a/Modiin_Map_2011.png/220px-Modiin_Map_2011.png)
השבטיםHaShvatim– The Tribes (North Buchman/Buchman) and מוריהMoriah(South Buchman) are the most southern neighborhoods in the city. Most of the buildings in this neighborhood are ground-level private homes and condos. The streets of Shvatim are named after thetribes of Israel,and the streets of Moriah are named after ancient historical Jewish figures. Moriah, the name of the southern neighborhood, is also a feminine name representing these women.
הפרחיםHaPrachim– The Flowers (Miromi) is a small neighborhood in the city center. Located in HaPrachim is a commercial center, two primary schools and a secondary school. The neighborhood's streets are named after trees, flowers, and plants. At the northern part of the neighborhood there is a small compound where the streets are named after phrases from theSong of Songs.
הנחליםHaNechalim– The Rivers (Safdie) and משואהMasuah– Beacon (Givat C) are located towards the west of the city, and were planned by architectMoshe Safdie.Located in these neighborhoods are five commercial centers, a secondary school and three primary schools. The central street names are named after valleys in Israel, and the side streets are named after Israeli rivers and streets. The name "Masuah" was selected in order to represent the neighborhood's high altitude. Within the area consisting of the streets named after rivers and streams is the "Malibu" area, which, as with other areas, is colloquially named after the contractor who designed the neighborhood.
הכרמיםHaKramim– The Vineyards (Tsipor) is the northernmost neighborhood in Modi'in. The streets are named after the Hebrew months. The name "Kramim" is in honor of the vineyards that were located where the neighborhood now stands before the city was founded.
אבני חןAvnei Chen– Precious Stones (Kaizer) is located towards the west of the city, and parts of it are still under construction. The main road is named "Avnei Choshen" and leads to the only retail under residential mixed use buildings in Modi'in.[citation needed]Other streets, in keeping with the neighborhood's name, are named for precious stones. The parks are connected through the center of the neighborhood and allow pedestrians to cross. A bike lane in the Emek Zvuloon street leads to the center of town.
הנביאיםHaNevi'im– The Prophets (Northern Shimshoni) and המגיניםHaMeginim– The Defenders (Southern Shimshoni) are located towards the northwest of the city. Streets in HaNevi'im are named for theProphets of Israel,while HaMeginim's streets are named aftergeneralsand important battles in Israeli history. Located in the neighborhoods are three commercial centers, three primary schools, and one secondary school.
הציפוריםHaTsiporim– The Birds (South Kaizer) is still being planned. Its streets will be named after different species of birds, and will be a relatively small neighborhood consisting of only seven streets.
Culture and sports
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/05/PikiWiki_Israel_8234_clture_auditorium_in_modiin.jpg/220px-PikiWiki_Israel_8234_clture_auditorium_in_modiin.jpg)
In 2007, Modi'in was selected as one of the inaugural cities for theIsrael Baseball League.The baseball team was named theModi'in Miracle,but did not play games in Modi'in as there is no baseball stadium there.
In 2008, the Pioneers of theIsraeli Football League(American Football) relocated to Modi'in. The Pioneers played all their home games in Modi'in. In their first year, the Modi'in "Dancing Camel" Pioneers won the IFL Championship. After an unsuccessful 2009–10 season, their second in Modi'in, the Pioneers relocated once again to Tel Aviv, where most of the team's players lived.
Transportation
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/16/ModBahn006.jpg/220px-ModBahn006.jpg)
Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut is accessible byRoad 431,Highway 3andRoad 443.AnIsrael Railwaysline began operation on April 1, 2008, to alarge underground station in Modi'in.Service began in September 2007 toPaatei Modi'inon the western outskirts of the city. This railway connects Modi'in toTel Avivby way ofBen Gurion Airport.The line to Modi'in is a spur off thehigh-speed railway to Jerusalem,currently due for completion in 2016. Once this line is completed, Modi'in will be within 30 minutes' ride of Jerusalem. Intercity and local bus services are provided byKavim.
Notable people
- Mattanya Cohen(born 1965), former Ambassador to El Salvador
- Yohanan Danino(born 1959), former chief of the Israel Police
- Julia Glushko(born 1990), tennis player[21]
- David Lau(born 1966),Chief Rabbi of Israeland son of former Chief Rabbi of IsraelIsrael Meir Lau
- Yariv Levin(born 1969), politician and Deputy Prime Minister
- Shahar Pe'er(born 1987), tennis player
- Mark Regev(born 1960), Ambassador to the UK, spokesman for the prime minister
- Ben Sahar(born 1989), association football player
- Moshe Ya'alon(born 1950), formerIDFChief of Staff,Vice Prime Minister,andMinister of Defense
- Itamar Einhorn(born 1997), professional cyclist[22]
- Rotem Gafinovitz(born 1992), professional cyclis[23]
International relations
Twin towns—Sister cities
Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut istwinnedwith:
Hagen,Germanysince 1997
Banja Luka,Bosnia and Herzegovinasince 2010[24]
Haikou,Hainan Province,China,since 2013 (Israel Sister Cities Project initiated and coordinated by Unique 1 Asia with the two municipalities.[25][26][27]
See also
- Ancient synagogues in the Palestine region- covers entirePalestine region/Land of Israel
- Ancient synagogues in Israel- covers the modernState of Israel
- Modi'in (ancient city)
Notes
- ^The Maccabim neighborhood of the city is in theno man's landbetween Israel and theIsraeli-occupiedWest Bank.
References
- ^ab"Regional Statistics".Israel Central Bureau of Statistics.Retrieved21 March2024.
- ^'Israel blasts EU listing,'UPI15 August 2012
- ^abcOra Coren, 'European Union: Parts of Modi'in Do Not Belong to Israel',Haaretz,14 August 2012
- ^The modern Hebrew spelling forModi'infollows a reconstruction based on the Greek name Μωδαῒν / Μωδαί (Modin), while overlooking the more ancient spelling of this name found in theMishnah(Pesahim9:2;Hagigah3:5), where the name is rendered as Modi'im (מודיעים).
- ^abMadaba Map.
- ^abcd"Cache of Hasmonean-era silver coins uncovered in Modiin".Sue Surkes forThe Times of Israel.7 June 2016.Retrieved21 January2024.
- ^abc"Modi'in struggles to preserve its Hasmonean roots".15 September 2013.
- ^Ben-Yosef, Sefi[in Hebrew],ed. (n.d.).Israel Guide - Judaea (A useful encyclopedia for the knowledge of the country)(in Hebrew). Vol. 9. Jerusalem: Keter Publishing House, in affiliation with the Israel Ministry of Defence. p. 307.OCLC745203905.
{{cite book}}
:CS1 maint: year (link),s.v.קברי המקבים - ^Shimon Gibson,ASOR Newsletter49-1 (1999) pp. 16-17
- ^Shlomit Weksler-Bdolah, ASOR conference 2003
- ^Joshua Schwartz,Lod (Lydda), Israel: from its origins through the Byzantine period, 5600 B.C.E. - 640 C.E,Oxford University Press, 1991, pp. 61-63.
- ^Alexander Onn,The ancient synagogue in Modi'in,Israel Antiquities Authority. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
- ^Elena Kogan-Zehavi, Gabriela Bijovsky and Yossi Nagar,"Tombs and Installations from the Iron Age II to the Byzantine Period from South Ḥorbat Tittora",'Atiqot72 (2012),Israel Antiquities Authority,pp. 89-91, accessed 19 December 2018.
- ^abAmanda Borschel-Dan,School pupils help find 900-year-old Crusader jewelry trove,Times of Israel, 20 June 2017, accessed 19 Dec. 2018
- ^Zach Pontz,Kids found this 900-year-old jewelry in a Crusader castle,at From the Grapewine, 27 June 2017, accessed 19 Dec. 2018
- ^Beit Sira Village Profile,ARIJ, p. 17
- ^Saffa village profile,ARIJ, p. 17
- ^Other statistics published byARIJclaim that in the wake of the1967 war,1680dunams(415acres) were confiscated to Israel, of which 840 dunams (207.5 acres) were initially designated for Maccabim settlement, while the remaining lands annexed to Israel without any designation. See:POICA – Beit Sira: A Palestinian Village on the verge of diminishing,Applied Research Institute–Jerusalem
- ^abc"Was building the city of Modi'in a mistake? - Business".haaretz.
- ^Fischer, Elli (1995-06-20)."A gilded landsmanschaft - Israel Jewish Scene, Ynetnews".Ynetnews.Ynetnews.Retrieved2011-09-16.
- ^Julia Glushko Profile | Players | 2016 US Open Official Site - A USTA Event
- ^"Itamar Einhorn".ProCyclingStats.
- ^"Rotem Gafinovitz".ProCyclingStats.
- ^Градови партнери[City of Banja Luka - Partner cities].Administrative Office of the City of Banja Luka(in Serbian). Archived fromthe originalon 2011-09-17.Retrieved2013-08-09.
- ^"Trung Hoa nhân dân nước cộng hoà bộ ngoại giao".fmprc.gov.cn.
- ^מרכז השלטון המקומי - ברוח של שיתוף פעולה:הסתיים בהצלחה ביקורה של משלחת סינית בכירה
- ^"Haikou-Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut Sister Cities Agreement Signed - Unique 1 Asia".unique1asia.13 June 2013. Archived fromthe originalon 19 October 2016.
External links
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