Modi’in is one of Israel’s newest cities. Unlike those that grew from small clusters of homes and gradually turned into a city, Modi’in is a story of planning and success.
Officially opened in August, 1996, Modi’in lies strategically (and conveniently) between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, right off highway 443. It is a beautiful city, carefully designed to offer its residents a comfortable environment within a short commuting distance from two of Israel’s major cities.
Because the city was built “all at once” – it involved careful planning to improve the quality of life of all its citizens. Modi’in’s design is based on a four-tier layout for: residential homes, the main business center, an industrial park, and an employment center.
The current population of Modi’in is approximately 60,000, although city plans exist to take the city up to a targeted 250,000.
Modi’in was built near the ancient home of the Maccabees. In April of 2001, while working on a new road in the Modi’in area, archaeologists discovered a large Jewish town from the Hasmonean period.
The Israel Antiquities Authority believes this is the ancient city of Modi’in, where Mattathias and his sons lived. There is little doubt that other archaeological sites remain yet to be discovered.
The Modi’n-Maccabim-Re’ut municipality was formed in 2003 by the merger of the three communities.
The project founding Maccabim was headed by the International Maccabi organization in 1985. Reut was established in 1987, led by an association of Israel’s Standing Army officers. The towns were united into Maccabim-Re’ut in 1990.
Great Modi’in Links
- Modi’in Municipality
- English Modi’in Newspaper
- Modiin Community KWiki
- Neot Kedumim
- Ezer Modiin volunteer charity association, run by Rabbi David Segal (Heb)
- Ner L’Mordechai – charitable free loan society for residents of Modiin area (Heb)
- Matnas Modiin – contact details for Modiin Community Center (Heb)