RISHON LEZION

Established in 1882, Rishon LeZion (or LeZiyyon) was the first settlement founded by pioneers from outside Israel. The beginnings were hard as the farmers had to bring water in on the backs of camels from Mikve Yisrael, just south of Tel Aviv. Baron Edmond de Rothschild came to their aid with money and distilling equipment for a winery.

Today Rishon LeZion is a large, vigorous city. The growing demand for housing by young couples and 22,000 new immigrants has resulted in rapid development. The city is foremost among our wine exporters and a visit to the Carmel cellars at 25 HaCarmel is recommended for those with time on their hands. (The other cellars are in Zikhron Yaaqov.) Free guided tours. Open 8.30 a.m. - 3.30 p.m. Tel. (03)9642021.

Rishon also boasts a number of ``firsts'' in modern Israel. It was here that the country's first Jewish kindergarten, elementary school and all-Jewish wind orchestra were established. Here, too, the poet Naphtali Herz Imber read a poem to the settlers in 1882. Soon after, another settler at Rishon, Samuel Cohen, set it to music. Today it is the country's national anthem, known as ``HaTikvah'' - The Hope.

A new college providing higher education towards a B.A. has been opened. Near the town are some splendid beaches. There is also a zoo at the Kiryat Rishon and Ramat Eliyahu junction, Tel. (03)9613360 and a Pioneers' Museum at Kikar Hameyasdim, Tel. (03)9682435.
Continue along road No. 412 to reach Rehovot.