Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Haifa
As Tel Aviv serves as the fi nancial and commercial hub of the country, Haifa is the principal
port and industrial center. The modern port opened in 1933 under British auspices. Food pro-
cessing, textiles, cement, and chemical industries developed there, along with petroleum re-
fi neries. The de facto capital of northern Israel, Haifa stretches across the hills between Mount
Carmel's northern slopes and the port on Haifa Bay. At the port are its giant grain silo, railroad
station, and other industries. On the mountainside are residential and commercial areas. Near
the top of the mountain are the Technion —Israel's institute of technology, founded in 1912 —
and the University of Haifa, which opened in 1964. Haifa is also world headquarters of the
Baha'i religion, which originated in Iran.
The Kibbutz and the Moshav
The kibbutz, a communal settlement unique to Israel, was established as a socialist utopian
scheme but has been adapted —with varying degrees of success — to changing conditions. The
fi rst kibbutz, Degania, was established in 1910 near the Sea of Galilee. Twelve young adults
pooled their property and divided jobs and income equally. In total, 268 kibbutzim have been
established since then, mainly in the north and in border areas.
In a kibbutz, all members work at collectively owned enterprises —usually mainly agri-
culture though the work is increasingly diversifi ed — and receive in exchange the goods and
services that they need. Traditionally, the kibbutz employed no outside help. Members are
A kibbutz on the shores of the Sea of Galilee in 1958. The Golan Heights, then held by Syria, loomed over
the fl at land on Israel's side of the border. (Getty Images / Image Bank.)
