Ramle

Ramla, also rendered Ramle in Hebrew, is a city in the Central District of Israel, located in the coastal plain southeast of Tel Aviv and near the city of Lod. It serves as an urban center for the surrounding region and is part of the greater metropolitan area around central Israel. The population is diverse, including Jewish and Arab residents, with a mix of older neighborhoods and newer development.

The site has a long history of settlement. Urban life in Ramla intensified in the early Islamic period, around the 8th century CE, and the city served for a time as a provincial capital. It remained an important center through the medieval era and underwent various changes in control during the Crusades. Over the centuries it transitioned through Ottoman and later British Mandate periods, shaping its growth and demographics. In the 20th century, especially after the establishment of the State of Israel, Ramla experienced rapid expansion in housing, industry, and infrastructure.

In modern times Ramla functions as a mixed city with industrial and service sectors, educational institutions, and cultural facilities. It is connected to the national road network and has railway access, providing links to major centers in central Israel. The local government focuses on housing, education, transportation, and social integration, aiming to improve quality of life for residents from diverse backgrounds. The city also preserves historical and archaeological sites within its Old City, reflecting its long and varied past.