Rishon LeZion (meaning First to Zion (Israel), the fourth largest city in Israel, is a beach town a twenty-minute drive south from Tel Aviv. Its status is a young, lively and culturally-rich place ideal to live, work, and in your case – volunteer Masa Israel Teaching Fellow program. Its population is about 200,000 of which 5% are English speakers.
Founded in 1882, boasts a high quality of life in its 30 neighborhoods of both secular and traditional Jews and where over 70 percent of the city’s population is under the age of forty. Also, Over 1000 English speaking Olim (immigrants) have settled in Rishon over the last decade.
Rishon is home to wonderful outings. Put these on your list and check them off one by one:
- Park Ha-Agam (The Lake Park): A beautiful natural pool surrounded by a walking and biking trail. You can picnic and relax on the grass. Adjacent to the park is a huge shopping center with movie theatres and restaurants.
- Hof Palmachim (Palmachim Beach): Israeli beaches span 270 kilometers and one of the most beautiful stretch is along Rishon LeZion. Pristine beaches, soft dunes, and calm waters, this quiet beach is ideal to enjoy.
- Superland: A spectacular amusement park on over 20 acres hosts extreme rides and sports as well as plenty to do for the less adventurous. You will find a lake and a waterfall and plenty of grass to relax and take a break between rides.
- Park Perez: Over an area of 300 dunams, A green public park with an abundance of recreational attractions is Park Perez. The park has vegetation, walking trails, fitness facilities, and well-lighted sports courts as well as accessibility for special needs audiences.
What else can you find in the park:
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- An Amphitheatre
- A Water Tower
- The Chess Complex
- Yamit Water Park
- The Sportek
- An Ice Skating center, and more
- A one-of-a-kind Children’s Museum is a combination of an educational center and a kid’s fantasy land. With a variety of activities focusing on emotional intelligence, tolerance, and acceptance the museum’s objective is to allow its visitors to learn through experience and hands-on participation to allow kids to live up to their potential
- At night, head out to an icon of the city, Pirate Bar. One of the founding locations for local beers. Of course, there’s also rich food to complement the alcohol. Head here to end your day and grab a cool one.
Of course, these are not the only awe-inspiring things to do in Rishon: many authentic as well as modern restaurants, lively concerts, and great nightlife. Take a break from work and come out to enjoy it. As a Masa Israel Teaching Fellow with Israel Experience, you will have time to try them all.
