Lydda

Lydda, known in Hebrew as Lod and in Arabic as al-Lidd, is a city in the Central District of Israel, located about 15 kilometers southeast of Tel Aviv and adjacent to Ben Gurion International Airport. It is part of the Tel Aviv metropolitan area and sits along major transportation corridors.

Name and etymology: The city has been referred to as Lod in Hebrew and as Lydda in classical and some English-language sources; the Arabic name al-Lidd corresponds to the same place.

History: The site has a long history of settlement dating to ancient times and is cited in biblical and classical sources as Lod/Lydda. Over the centuries it came under various rulers, including Arab, Ottoman, and British authorities. In the 20th century, the town underwent significant changes during the 1948 conflict and subsequent years, integrating into the State of Israel and expanding as part of the surrounding metropolitan area. The city has developed a mixed Jewish and Arab population and a range of municipal services.

Demographics and governance: Lod is a municipality within the Central District. The city maintains a mixed population, with diverse communities and institutions, including schools, cultural centers, and religious facilities.

Economy and transport: Proximity to Ben Gurion Airport and central Israel makes Lod a transportation and logistics hub. The Lod railway station on the Tel Aviv–Be’er Sheva line provides rail access, and the city is connected by major highways and regional bus networks.

Notable features: The city contains urban and industrial zones, parks, and historical and religious sites within its urban area, reflecting its long-standing role in the region’s development.