Petah Tikva, Modern industrial city in Central District, Israel
Petah Tikva is a city east of Tel Aviv in Israel's Central District, built on former farmland that once supported orange orchards. The city today consists of business districts, residential areas, and shopping centers spread across a sprawling urban layout.
In 1878, Jewish pioneers founded the settlement on swampy ground along the Yarkon River, which was later drained for cultivation. Baron Edmond de Rothschild funded the drainage work, allowing citrus plantations to flourish through the early 20th century.
The name means "Gate of Hope," referring to a biblical verse that early settlers chose to reflect their vision for the community. Residents today still point to this origin when explaining how their town balances tradition with modern industry.
Buses and trains run regularly to Tel Aviv and other cities in the metropolitan area. A new light rail line opened in 2023 provides connections within the city and to neighboring communities.
The orchards that once covered the area have given way to technology parks where companies like IBM and Intel operate. This shift from agriculture to high-tech unfolded over just a few decades following Israel's statehood.
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