Ma'alot-Tarshiha

Ma'alot-Tarshiha is a city in northern Israel located approximately 20 kilometers east of Nahariya, built at an elevation of roughly 600 meters. The urban area spreads across several square kilometers and combines what were once two separate settlements into a single modern community.

The city was formed in 1963 from the merger of a Jewish and Arab settlement, with the Arab village having ancient Roman-period foundations. This combination created a new type of shared urban space and shaped the town's identity from that point forward.

The city is home to Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities living side by side in daily life. Different religious traditions shape how people use public spaces and celebrate local occasions.

The nearby Tefen Industrial Zone contains over 100 factories and workshops that shape economic activity in the region. Visitors should be aware that the area is significantly defined by industrial and commercial spaces, so understanding this layout helps navigate where residential and business zones are located.

Since 1992, an international symposium for stone sculpture takes place here annually, outfitting the city with permanent stone art installations. This ongoing tradition has created a growing collection of sculptures that become part of the urban landscape.