alFahm

Umm al-Fahm (Arabic: أم الفحم) is a city in the Haifa District of Israel, located in the Wadi Ara valley in the western Galilee, near the Green Line that marks the border with the West Bank. It is one of the larger Arab-majority communities in Israel and serves as a regional center for surrounding Arab towns and villages.

With a predominantly Palestinian Arab population, Umm al-Fahm is largely Muslim, with a Christian minority and small numbers of other faiths. The name Umm al-Fahm is Arabic for "Mother of Understanding" and reflects local historical associations with the area.

The area around Umm al-Fahm has ancient roots, and in the modern era the community developed under Israeli administration, growing from a settlement into a municipality and eventually attaining city status.

The local economy combines commerce, services, and small industries. The city hosts markets and local shops, and many residents commute to nearby cities for work.

Umm al-Fahm has several elementary and secondary schools and is served by mosques, churches, and cultural facilities. Public libraries, community centers, and youth programs contribute to cultural life.

Governed by a municipal council, Umm al-Fahm coordinates with national and regional authorities on development, housing, and education. The city plays a significant role in the social and cultural landscape of Israel’s Arab communities.