The City of Ariel is one of the primary keys to Israel’s future. From its location to its message, from the city's objectives to its unsurpassed successes, Ariel is a paradigm of Modern Zionism in action.

 

 

Ariel’s geopolitical location holds the world’s attention, with a direct impact on Israeli and international policy. Ariel is the Capital of Samaria. The city maintains a politically recognized consensus status as being an integral part of the State of Israel. The city's population, its strategic significance to Israel's security and survival and its contribution to Israel's economic growth all contribute to Ariel's consensus status, as well as to the quality of life of the surrounding communities. Indeed, Ariel's continued development will insure a secure future for its neighbors.

 

Ariel’s social progress, demographic diversity and everyday living are paradigms to be emulated by cities throughout Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. The city's diversity has become a vehicle for comprehensive integration between different walks of Israeli life. An array of Jewish lifestyles has birthed a unified city with a variety of messages. Innovative programming and community based initiatives serve to cultivate mutual understanding and meaningful partnerships. Today, when Israeli society faces the challenges of demographic segmentation and segregation, the City of Ariel emerges with a powerful yet simple message: let's work together.

 

Ariel’s biblical roots and spiritual foundations are the source of its unsurpassed pioneering achievements in the past, present and future. The most prominent of Israel's pioneers lived in and around the city's environs. Avraham (Abraham) began his divinely inspired journey to the Land of Israel in the Samarian hills, where he set up his famous tent of hospitality. Yehoshua (Joshua), who led the Jews into the Land of Israel following the exodus from Egypt inherited this land, also known as the hills of Ephraim. He, his father and his pioneering ally Kalev (Caleb) are buried opposite the foot of modern day Ariel. From the first Jew, on his journey to the Promised Land, to the two "spies" who proclaimed "we shall certainly go up and inherit it [the Land] for we can certainly do so", Ariel maintains its characteristic pioneering spirit.

 

Similar to Jerusalem, the ancient and modern historic continuum in Ariel is plain to see. The City of Ariel is built alongside the ruins of an ancient Israelite city that dates back more than 3,000 years. Through a commitment to its biblical roots and underlying spiritual nature, the modern City of Ariel drew its name from one of the names of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Ariel, the modern day Capital of Samaria, and Jerusalem, the Capital of Judea and of the State of Israel, are indeed twin cities.

 

A strong Ariel means a strong Israel and a strong Jewish People. American Friends of Ariel understands that the People of Ariel provides support for the People of Ariel, investing in their a wide variety of community projects, initiatives and endeavors. As in the city's history proves, support for the City of Ariel means support for a vibrant and successful Israel.