Arad Israel

Located in southern Israel, Arad Israel is bordered by the Dead Sea to the west, and Beersheba to the east. This settlement was established in 1962 as a haven for Jewish refugees, survivors of the Holocaust, Bedouins, and Black Hebrews. Developed by oil-giant, NAFTA, living areas were laid out around the ancient settlements of Rishonim and Ne'rum.

Interesting Facts about Arad Israel

The name Arad, is derived from the ancient settlement in Cana. The Arad Israel population of 23,400 is a melting pot of Jews, Arabs, and Black Hebrews. The Ashkenazi Jews, of German extraction, include well-known descendants such as Freud, Einstein, Anne Frank, George Gershwin, and Leonard Bernstein. Descendants of the Sephardi, of Spanish/Portuguese extraction, include Baruch Spinoza, professional poker player, Patrick Bruel, and actor/director, Alain Chabot. Black Hebrews consider themselves to be the sole, true descendant of the Tribe of Israel.


Officially declared a city in 1995, the flag of Arad Israel features symbols of a flame and a hill. The city symbol includes the English inscription, City of Arad, and the Hebrew inscription for Municipality of Arad. Wilmington, Delaware, and Burlington, Vermont, are sister-cities of Arad.

Things To Do In Arad Israel

Arad is home to the world's second-longest hiking trail encompassing a 580 mile span from Lebanon to the Red Sea. Only surpassed in length by the Appalachian Trail located on the East Coast of the United States, trail highlights include Mt. Tabor, site of the transfiguration of Christ, and Tzippori, the home of the Virgin Mary's parents, Anna and Joachim.

Must-See Places In Arad Israel

Tel Arad and Tel Arad National Park comprise one of the most important archaeological sites of Biblical origin. Dating back to 1200BCE, this 25 acre area includes remnants of houses composed of a main room and a kitchen, and the world's largest collection of ostraca, pottery shards, some of which contain both Egyptian and Hebrew inscriptions.