The City of Ariel plays a pivotal role in sustaining the stability of Samaria, the State of Israel and the Middle East as a whole. In order to appreciate Ariel's position in the context of the Middle Eastern tapestry we must recognize a basic truth: the State of Israel is a bastion of peace, security and democracy in a volatile region of the world. Without Israel the Middle East would become dangerously unstable. Of course, an unstable Middle East means an unstable world.

 

The City of Ariel, located 26 miles east of the Mediterranean Sea and 26 miles west of the Jordan River, is a strategic location, imperative to the survival of the State of Israel. Without a Jewish presence in Samaria the coastal plain of Israel would be within short missile range of a Palestinian rockets, thereby posing an immediate threat to Israel’s survival.

 

The City of Ariel offers a comprehensive approach to regional security and stability. Ariel has been successful in integrating effective defense measures along with a genuine pursuit of co-existence with the city's Arab neighbors. For example, the local industrial zones provide thousands of Palestinians with employment. Similarly, the city provides clean water and electricity to the neighboring Arab communities. Moreover, the Ariel University Center educates hundreds of Arab students.

 

The residents of Ariel traditionally maintained a healthy relationship with their Arab neighbors. Until the recent Arab intifada ("uprising") that began in the year 2000, residents of Ariel would shop regularly in the neighboring Arab communities. Unfortunately, the intifada created a dangerously unstable situation. Palestinian terrorism included direct attacks on the residents of Ariel across several fronts. Security measures have since been implemented, preventing terrorist attacks on the one hand, yet preventing healthy and productive interaction between the residents of Ariel and their Arab neighbors on the other.

Consensus Status

The City of Ariel is the backbone of Samaria, functioning as the region’s hub for services and the foundation for a continued Jewish presence throughout the region. Due to its significant role, its large population and its strategic positioning, Ariel maintains a political consensus status. Even the most radical of the proposed “land-for-peace” plans included Ariel as part of Israel. From the outset the City of Ariel was built on Israeli land with government permits. Today Ariel is included in Israel’s Security Fence, a firm indicator of its consensus status.

 

Support for the City of Ariel means support for a stable Israel. An array of projects, including supporting the Israeli Defense Forces soldiers that serve in and around Ariel, developing local emergency services and providing for medical care facilities, create an immediate and lasting effect on the welfare of the People of Ariel. Similarly, these projects contribute to the well-being of all of the residents of Samaria who benefit from Ariel's extensive services. A well-equipped Ariel means a secure Samaria and a safe Israel.