View source for Kiryat Motzkin

{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Kiryat Motzkin
| native_name        = {{Lang|he|{{Script/Hebrew|קִרְיַת מוֹצְקִין}}|rtl=yes}}
| settlement_type    = [[List of cities in Israel|City]]
| translit_lang1     = Hebrew
| translit_lang1_type1 = [[ISO 259]]
| translit_lang1_info1 = Qiryat Móçqin (Motzkin)
| translit_lang1_type3 = Also spelled
| translit_lang1_info3 = Kiryat Motzkin (unofficial)
| image_skyline      = File:PikiWiki Israel 13473 Mozart Junction in Kiryat Motzkin.jpg
| image_caption      = Mozart Junction in Kiryat Motzkin
| image_blank_emblem = Kiryat Motzkin COA.png
| pushpin_map_alt    =
| pushpin_map        = Israel haifa#Israel
| pushpin_mapsize    =
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_caption =
| coordinates        = {{coord|32|50|N|35|05|E|region:IL|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name   = {{flag|Israel}}
| subdivision_type1  =
| subdivision_name1  =
| subdivision_type2  = [[Districts of Israel|District]]
| subdivision_name2  = {{flag|Haifa District|name=Haifa}}
| established_title  = Founded
| established_date   = 1934
| leader_title       = Mayor
| leader_party = Independent 
| leader_name        = [[Tziki Tzvi Avisar]]
| unit_pref          = dunam
| area_total_dunam   = {{formatnum:3778|R}}
| population_footnotes = {{Israel populations|reference}}
| population_total   = {{Israel populations|Qiryat Motzkin}}
| population_as_of   = {{Israel populations|Year}}
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_note    = 56,300 (September 2025, unofficial)
| demographics_type1     = Ethnicity
| demographics1_footnotes = {{Israel populations|reference}}
|  demographics1_title1    = [[Israeli Jews|Jews and others]]
|  demographics1_info1     = 99.9%
|  demographics1_title2    = [[Arab citizens of Israel|Arabs]]
|  demographics1_info2     = 0.1%
| website            = {{url|www.motzkin.co.il}}
}}
'''Kiryat Motzkin''' ({{langx|he|קִרְיַת מוֹצְקִין}}) is a city in the [[Haifa District]] of [[Israel]], {{convert|8|km|0|abbr=off}} north of the city center of [[Haifa]]. According to the [[Israel Central Bureau of Statistics]], in {{Israel populations|Year}} it had a population of {{Israel populations|Qiryat Motzkin}}.{{Israel populations|reference}} However, as of September 2025, the unofficial population count is 56,300, reflecting significant growth not yet captured in official statistics. The city is named after [[Leo Motzkin]] (1867-1933), one of the organizers of the [[First Zionist Congress]] in 1897.<ref>Hareouveni, Emanouel (1974). ''The Settlements of Israel and Their Archaeological sites'' (in Hebrew). Israel: Hakibbutz Hameuchad. p. 293</ref> The mayor of the city is [[Tziki Tzvi Avisar]].
==History==
[[File:מפרץ חיפה - שיכון ארעי לעולים בין קרית חיים וקרית מוצקין.-JNF045199.jpeg|thumb|upright=1.25|Immigrant camp between Kiryat Motzkin & [[Kiryat Haim]] 1946]]
[[File:PikiWiki Israel 13473 Mozart Junction in Kiryat Motzkin.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|Mozart Junction in Kiryat Motzkin]]
[[File:PikiWiki Israel 13476 Kiryat Motzkin pianist Square.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|Pianist Square in Kiryat Motzkin]]
Kiryat Motzkin was founded in 1934, and by 1935 the first school was opened.<ref>[http://www.motzkin.co.il/City/History/Pages/description.aspx הינכם מוזמנים להיכנס בשערי אתר האינטרנט של מוזיאון בית גרושקביץ - לתולדות קריית מוצקין]{{Dead link|date=June 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Kiryat Motzkin Municipality</ref> In 1939, the town had a population of about 2,000 and 345 buildings.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/hmf/1939/05/30/01/page/3 |title=⁨המשקיף⁩ {{!}} עמוד 3 {{!}} 30 מאי 1939 {{!}} אוסף העיתונות הספרייה הלאומית|website=www.nli.org.il}}</ref> [[Kiryat Motzkin railway station]] was constructed by [[Mandatory Palestine|British Mandatory Palestine]] in 1937.
In the [[Second World War]], Kiryat Motzkin suffered from German\Italian air bombarding.<ref>[http://www.motzkin.co.il/English/Pages/default.aspx Kiryat Motzkin city].</ref>
It received [[Local council (Israel)|local council]] status in 1940.
During the [[1947–48 Civil War in Mandatory Palestine]], an important battle took place near Kiryat Motzkin when the [[Haganah]] destroyed an Arab arms convoy and killed the commander of Arab forces in the process. This contributed to the Jewish victory in the [[Battle of Haifa (1948)|Battle of Haifa]].
==Demographics==
Kiryat Motzkin has experienced significant immigration waves throughout its history, contributing to its diverse population. Approximately 40% of the city's residents are immigrants from the former Soviet Union or their descendants, significantly influencing the city's cultural landscape.
According to the Israeli Interior Ministry, in 2024 the ethnic makeup of the city was predominantly Jewish and other non-Arabs. There were 25,000 males and 28,000 females, with 25.5% of the population 19 years of age or younger, 15.2% between 20 and 29, 19.0% between 30 and 44, 20.1% from 45 to 59, 4.5% from 60 to 64, and 15.9% 65 years of age or older.
The city has been experiencing positive migration, with more people moving in than out. This trend is attributed to the city's reputation as a safe, quiet, and comfortable place to live.
The socio-economic status of Kiryat Motzkin's residents is considered high within the Haifa metropolitan area. On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being the highest), the city's population ranks 7, indicating a relatively affluent community.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbs.gov.il/www/publications/local_authorities2003/pdf/t02.pdf |title=Socio-Economic Ranking of Local Authorities |publisher=Israel Central Bureau of Statistics }}</ref>
==Economy and Employment==
Kiryat Motzkin is primarily a commuter town, with most residents working outside the city. However, its population contributes significantly to the broader regional economy. A substantial portion of Kiryat Motzkin's residents are academics who work in high-tech companies, the oil industry, academia, and advanced defense industries, primarily in nearby Haifa or in the industrial zones of neighboring cities.
==Urban Development==

Kiryat Motzkin has exhausted its land reserves for new construction. As a result, the city's urban future lies in [[urban renewal]] projects. These projects aim to modernize and densify existing neighborhoods while maintaining the city's character as a comfortable suburban area.

Following the election of [[Tziki Tzvi Avisar]] as mayor, the city began planning and advancing comprehensive urban renewal projects in the older neighborhoods of Kiryat Motzkin. In the first year of his tenure, preliminary approval was granted for the construction of over 4,500 new housing units to replace approximately 1,500 older units.{{citation needed|date=October 2025}} The central challenge facing the mayor and the city's planning and engineering teams has been balancing competing priorities: minimizing the density inherent in urban renewal while enabling as many residents as possible to benefit from modern housing that meets current engineering standards. This includes [[earthquake engineering|earthquake-resistant construction]] and protected spaces ([[Merkhav Mugan|safe rooms]]) for wartime scenarios—two threats of particular relevance to Kiryat Motzkin's geographic and political situation.

The region faces significant [[seismic hazard]]s due to its location along the [[Dead Sea Transform]] fault system. Historically, Israel has experienced severe earthquakes once a century, on average, with the last major event occurring in 1927, which caused significant damage to cities including [[Safed]], [[Ramla]], [[Lod]], and [[Nablus]].<ref name="timesofisrael2023">{{cite news |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/no-sign-of-impending-major-earthquake-in-israel-but-issue-hard-to-predict-experts/ |title=No sign of impending major earthquake in Israel, but issue hard to predict — experts |date=7 February 2023 |work=[[The Times of Israel]] |access-date=2 January 2025}}</ref> The city also faces ballistic threats from rockets and missiles. During the [[Israel–Hamas war (2023–present)|2023–2024 Israel–Hamas war]], known in Israel as the "[[Swords of Iron war]]," Kiryat Motzkin was targeted by projectiles from multiple sources, including [[Hezbollah]] in [[Lebanon]], [[Iran]], and [[Houthi movement|Houthi forces]] in [[Yemen]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/fresh-rocket-sirens-triggered-in-towns-surrounding-haifa/ |title=Fresh rocket sirens triggered in towns surrounding Haifa |work=[[The Times of Israel]] |access-date=2 January 2025}}</ref> The city has also experienced terrorist attacks, including a [[suicide bombing]] in 2001 that injured 21 people.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.haaretz.com/2001-08-13/ty-article/bomber-hits-kiryat-motzkin-21-hurt/0000017f-f626-d318-afff-f767df5e0000 |title=Bomber Hits Kiryat Motzkin; 21 Hurt |date=13 August 2001 |work=[[Haaretz]] |access-date=2 January 2025}}</ref> These security realities have made the inclusion of reinforced safe rooms in new construction a critical priority in the city's urban renewal planning.

==Education==
There are 18 schools and 11,000 students in Kiryat Motzkin, with 8 elementary schools (4,000 students) and 6 high schools (4,500 students). In 2023, 91.1% of 12th-grade students were eligible for a matriculation certificate.
== Transportation ==
Kiryat Motzkin is served by [[Kiryat Motzkin Railway Station]],<ref>{{Cite web|title = Israel Railways - Kiryat Motzkin|url = http://rail.co.il/EN/Stations/Pages/800.aspx|website = Israel Railways|access-date = 2016-01-09}}</ref> which is on the main [[Coastal railway line, Israel|Coastal railway line]] to [[Nahariya]], with southerly trains to [[Beersheba]] and [[Modi'in]]. The [[Krayot Central Bus Station]] is located on the northern edge of the municipality and serves as a terminus for the [[Metronit]] [[bus rapid transit]] system and local bus routes.
== Hai-Park Zoo ==
'''Hai-Park''' (also known as '''Chai Park''', {{langx|he|חי פארק}}) is a major zoological facility and recreational complex located in Kiryat Motzkin, established in 2002.<ref name="ozrot">{{cite web |url=https://en.ozrothagalil.org.il/poi/חי-פארק/ |title=Hai Park – Zoo in Kiryat Motzkin |publisher=Ozrot Hagalil |date=2019-08-07 |access-date=2025-01-02}}</ref> Spanning approximately 130 [[dunam]]s (32 acres), the park serves as one of Israel's prominent zoos and has become a significant tourist attraction in the northern region.<ref name="israel-photos">{{cite web |url=https://www.israel-in-photos.com/hay-park-kiryat-motzkin.html |title=Hay Park, Kiryat Motzkin - Visitors Guide |date=2022-12-04 |access-date=2025-01-02}}</ref>
===Membership and Standards===
The zoo is a member of the [[European Association of Zoos and Aquaria]] (EAZA), which enables international cooperation in animal exchange programs and ensures adherence to the highest standards of animal welfare and conservation. Hai-Park places significant emphasis on educational programs, conservation efforts, and sustainability initiatives. The facility maintains high standards of animal care, which have earned recognition and appreciation from the [[Israel Nature and Parks Authority]].
===Animal Collection and Habitats===
The park houses a diverse collection of animals living in habitats designed to simulate their natural environments. Notable species include [[elephant]]s (Paula and Lola), [[giraffe]]s, [[orangutan]]s, various species of [[monkey]]s (including [[Capuchin monkey|capuchin]]s, [[macaque]]s, [[gibbon]]s, and [[tamarin]]s), [[lemur]]s, [[penguin]]s, [[flamingo]]s, [[pelican]]s, and numerous other bird species.<ref name="ozrot"/> The zoo features specialized environments representing different geographical regions: an Alaska-themed habitat for penguins, Israeli habitat zones for native species such as [[fallow deer]], [[porcupine]]s, deer, and [[gazelle]]s, and African-themed areas for elephants and other species.<ref name="ozrot"/>
Hai-Park is particularly notable for housing lions that were illegally smuggled from Arab countries to Israel, providing them with sanctuary and proper care.
===Facilities and Programs===
The facility includes a petting zoo, educational exhibits with informational signs in Hebrew and Arabic about the trees and vegetation throughout the park, restaurant, an amphitheater for outdoor concerts and events during summer months, and an indoor theater for year-round programming.<ref name="israel-photos"/>
The zoo operates comprehensive educational programs for schools, kindergartens, summer camps, and various community groups, offering guided tours and training sessions in multiple languages.<ref name="enjoying">{{cite web |url=https://www.enjoyingisrael.com/attractions/45818/hai-park-kiryat-motzkin |title=Hai Park - Kiryat Motzkin |publisher=Enjoying Israel |access-date=2025-01-02}}</ref>

== Mashmaut Center ==
The '''Mashmaut Center''' ({{langx|he|מרכז משמעות}}, meaning "Significance Center") is a [[Holocaust education]] and heritage institution established in 1994 in Kiryat Motzkin. Founded by Dr. Lea Ganor, who serves as its director, the center was created in collaboration with the Municipality of Kiryat Motzkin and the Ministry of Education's Haifa District.<ref name="mashmaut">{{cite web |url=https://mashmautcenter.co.il/mashmaut-center/ |title=Our Story - Mashmaut Center |date=2022-09-29 |access-date=2025-01-02}}</ref>
===Mission and Programs===
Mashmaut, an acronym in Hebrew for Heritage, Holocaust, Tradition, Values, and Revival (מורשת, שואה, מסורת, ערכים ותקומה), serves as an experiential learning site for young generations and the broader community. The center conducts study days, experiential workshops, and lectures addressing themes of Jewish heritage, the Holocaust, tradition, values, and national revival. A particular emphasis is placed on relevant issues concerning the Jewish people in Israel and the [[Jewish diaspora|Diaspora]], Holocaust remembrance and revival, combating [[antisemitism]], and educational relationships with Poland and Germany through interdisciplinary educational programs.
The center's activities engage diverse groups including students, youth and adult delegations from abroad, teachers, soldiers, Holocaust survivors, new immigrants, and the local community. Mashmaut organizes and oversees Holocaust remembrance and commemoration activities in the city and serves as a hub for Holocaust survivors, who form a cornerstone of the center's daily activities while maintaining continuous and regular contact with the survivors.<ref name="heritage">{{cite web |url=https://www.heritagefl.com/story/2014/05/30/features/our-garden-oasis-in-israel-kiryat-motzkin/2759.html |title=Our 'garden oasis' in Israel-Kiryat Motzkin |publisher=Heritage Florida Jewish News |date=2014-05-30 |access-date=2025-01-02}}</ref>
===Educational Initiatives===
The center develops innovative educational programs on Holocaust education and encourages students to commemorate Holocaust victims through creative projects and written works. One of its signature programs, "Before Our Eyes" (לנגד עינינו), creates meaningful interactions between Holocaust survivors and second and third generations, including special events such as "Flower to the Survivor," where soldiers present survivors with certificates of appreciation.<ref name="heritage"/>
Mashmaut Center maintains active educational partnerships with institutions in Poland and Germany, developing exchange programs for young students and teachers.<ref name="linkedin">{{cite web |url=https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-lea-ganor-56a95748/ |title=Dr. Lea Ganor - Director "MASHMAUT" center |publisher=LinkedIn |access-date=2025-01-02}}</ref> The center has established relationships with German cities including a significant partnership with [[Magdeburg]], which became an official sister city of Kiryat Motzkin in November 2024, with the Mashmaut Center playing a central role in this partnership focused on Holocaust remembrance dialogue.<ref name="magdeburg">{{cite web |url=https://www.magdeburg.de/Kurzmenü/Start/index.php?NavID=37.459.1&object=tx,698.40171.1&La=&oNavID=37.1025 |title=Städtepartnerschaft für Frieden und Verständigung mit Kiryat Motzkin |publisher=Landeshauptstadt Magdeburg |date=2024-11-08 |language=de |access-date=2025-01-02}}</ref>
Following the election of [[Tziki Tzvi Avisar]] as Mayor of Kiryat Motzkin, the Mashmaut Center's budget was significantly increased, along with enhanced funding for youth delegations abroad as part of educational and sports exchange programs. The center plays a central role in shaping the content and direction of Kiryat Motzkin's foreign relations with its sister cities, contributing to the development of meaningful international partnerships focused on education, cultural exchange, and Holocaust remembrance.

===Recognition and Awards===
The center has received considerable recognition for its educational work both in Israel and internationally:

In the 1995–1996 academic year, the center received a Certificate of Excellence from the [[Knesset]], awarded by then-Knesset Chairman Professor [[Shevach Weiss]], along with Yehudit Hausner and the Department of Torah Culture, for writing unique curricula on the Holocaust and encouraging students to commemorate Holocaust victims through written works.
In the 1999–2000 academic year, [[Yad Vashem]] awarded Dr. Lea Ganor, the center's director, the "Educator of the Year 2000" prize.
In November 2020, Dr. Ganor received the Knight's Cross of the [[Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland]] from the President of Poland in recognition of her contribution to developing Israeli-Polish dialogue.<ref name="linkedin"/><ref name="radical">{{cite web |url=https://www.israellycool.com/2021/01/26/a-bold-match-israeli-chutzpah-and-polish-rebel-hearts/ |title=A Bold Match: Israeli Chutzpah and Polish Rebel Hearts |date=2021-07-07 |access-date=2025-01-02}}</ref>

Dr. Ganor also serves as a Spiegel Fellow, Senior Scholar, and Coordinator of the Poland Forum at the Finkler Institute of Holocaust Research at [[Bar-Ilan University]], reflecting the center's academic connections and scholarly contributions to Holocaust research and education.<ref name="linkedin"/>

==Twin towns – sister cities==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Israel}}
Kiryat Motzkin is [[Sister city|twinned]] with:<ref>{{cite web |title=Kiryat Motzkin city|url=http://www.motzkin.co.il/English/Pages/default.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128040118/http://www.motzkin.co.il/English/Pages/default.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 28, 2018|website=motzkin.co.il|publisher=Kiryat Motzkin|language=he|access-date=2020-02-24}}</ref>
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*{{flagicon|GER}} [[Bad Kreuznach (district)]], Germany
*{{flagicon|GER}} [[Bad Segeberg]], Germany
*{{flagicon|GER}} [[Haßberge (district)]], Germany
*{{flagicon|GER}} [[Hof, Bavaria|Hof]], Germany
*{{flagicon|CHN}} [[Kaifeng]], China
*{{flagicon|GER}} [[Magdeburg]], Germany{{cn|date=October 2024}}
*{{flagicon|CZE}} [[Mariánské Lázně]], Czech Republic
*{{flagicon|HUN}} [[Nyíregyháza]], Hungary
*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]], United States
*{{flagicon|POL}} [[Płońsk]], Poland
*{{flagicon|POL}} [[Radzyń Podlaski County]], Poland
*{{flagicon|POL}} [[Włodawa County]], Poland
{{div col end}}

==Notable people==
*[[Yuval Avidor]] (born 1986), footballer
*[[Mark Malyar]] (born 2000), Paralympic champion and world champion [[para swimmer]]
*[[Ofir Mizrahi]] (born 1993), footballer
*[[Shuki Schwartz]] (born 1954), basketball player
*[[Bar Soloveychik]] (born 2000), Olympic swimmer

==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*[http://www.motzkin.co.il/ Official website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721064004/http://www.motzkin.co.il/ |date=2011-07-21 }}
*[https://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=israel&ie=UTF8&om=1&z=15&ll=32.847577,35.081019&spn=0.024841,0.057206&t=k Satellite Image from Google Maps]
{{Haifa District}}
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:Cities in Israel]]
[[Category:Krayot]]
[[Category:Cities in Haifa District]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1934]]
[[Category:1934 establishments in Mandatory Palestine]]