Arad (ערד) is a modern city in southern Israel, on the border of the Judean Desert, 25 km west of the Dead Sea and 45 km east of Beer-Sheva, near the famous Masada (Metzada), in the South District of Israel.
Arad is a thriving town, founded in 1962 by a group of young Israelis, most of them ex-kibbutzniks and ex-moshavniks who were seeking an environment free of the urban ills of overcrowding, traffic, noise, and pollution. The town's growth has closely followed a well-designed master plan. Arad's present population is approximately 28,000 (2003 estimate) and reflects the broad spectrum of Israeli society. There are Ashkenazim and Sefardim, secular and religious, Bedouins and Black Hebrews, native-born Israelis and new immigrants.
It is notable for its clean air and therefore serves as a major attaction to asthmatics worldwide.
Arad is named after the Biblical town located at Tel Arad (see Biblical archaeology regarding famous ostraca found here).
Geographical structure
Neighbourhoods in Arad are as follows: Gevim, Tlalim, Avishur, Khalamish, Levaot, Yeelim, Rishonim, Neurim, Maof, Khatzavim, Haredof, Shaked and Rotem, which make up the entire city north of highway #31. South of the highway is Arad's industrial zone which contains a lot of unique factories in Israel. For example, Arad Textile Industries Ltd., one of Israel's largest producers of towels. In Arad is also located the World Union of Jewish Students (WUJS) Institute, that runs a study program for college graduates from around the world.
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