In 1974, a group of families, led by Ron Nachman (1942-2013), came together to establish a new community in Samaria. These modern-day pioneers began their journey with just a few tents on a barren hilltop in an area crucial to Israel’s security. Despite the challenging living conditions, they recognized the importance of establishing a Jewish presence in this strategic location. Before long, these first families had temporary homes, access to running water, and a name for their budding community – Ariel, a name synonymous with Jerusalem and the Temple Mount.
Ariel’s biblical roots and spiritual foundations are a source of inspiration. The Samarian hills are where Abraham began his divinely inspired journey to the land of Israel, setting up his famous tent of hospitality. Joshua, who led the Jews into the Land of Israel after the exodus from Egypt, inherited this land, also known as the hills of Ephraim. Joshua and his ally, Caleb, are buried opposite the foot of modern-day Ariel.
The first mayor of Ariel, Ya’akov Feitelson, who emigrated from the Soviet Union with his family, envisioned Ariel as the capital of Samaria, serving all sectors of Israel’s population. And so the dream began of turning tiny Ariel into the leading city of the region.
Ron Nachman succeeded Feitelson and served as mayor for 28 years. Nachman was also elected to the Israeli Knesset as the only Likud member representing Judea, Samaria, and Gaza. Nachman’s vision for Ariel focused on three key springboards: industry (to create jobs in Ariel), the first hotel in Samaria (to attract tourists from around the world), and the College of Judea and Samaria, which has since evolved into the University of Ariel. In February 2013, Nachman was posthumously awarded the Israel Prize, recognizing his lifelong dedication to the city and the country.
After Mayor Nachman’s passing, Eliyahu Shaviro, a retired IDF colonel, was elected mayor. During his decade-long tenure, Ariel experienced remarkable growth and development, with significant advancements in education, industrial development, and the expansion of the University of Ariel.
In February 2024, Ya’ir Chetboun, an educator and IDF officer, was elected as Ariel’s fourth mayor. Mayor Chetboun is committed to raising the standards of Ariel’s education system and enhancing services to enrich the quality of life for all residents.