Intro
In recent years, Givat Shmuel has become a popular alternative for young professionals and families. Located in the center of Israel, givat Shmuel is flanked on all sides by major highways which allow convenient travel to other parts of the country. Givat Shmuel is undergoing a process of development,and expansion,where the town's population is expected to rise to 40,000. The population increase is made possible by the establishment of two neighborhoods in recent years - Ramat HaDekalim to the north, and Ramat Hadar to the east. The town currently has about 24,000 residents, secular and observant Jews, youngsters and older adults, veteran Israelis and new immigrants. The town's socioeconomic standing is classified as 8+ out of 10.
Local Employment
Givat Shmuel contains Bar Ilan University south of Sheba Hospital and, to the east, Rabin Hospital (Beilinson - Petah Tikva). The city council is establishing new centers for commerce and employment. One of these planned centers will cover an area of 100,000 square meters, to be used for commerce, biotechnology and high-tech, situated northeast of Ramat HaDekalim, and another 800,000 square meters are slated for future high-tech and biotechnology facilities. Another employment area will be located along the eastern side of the Geha Road, on the border of Petah Tikva. Most residents work in the greater Tel Aviv area.
Education / Youth
In terms of academics, Givat Shmuel is amongst the highest achieving areas in the country. High school students in Givat Shmuel achieved excellent results in the high school matriculation examinations, with a success rate of 76 percent - the second highest in the country, and the highest in the Bik'at Ono region. The success of secondary school education is also reflected in the dropout rate - 0% in Givat Shmuel. In primary school education, too, the town has attained impressive achievements, far above the national mean. Givat Shmuel is represented in universities and colleges at a higher ratio than the neighboring towns, with 14.2% of the local population enrolled. The town has 36 kindergartens (21 in the state religious education system), 3 special kindergartens (2 - language, and 1 PDD) and 5 primary schools (2 in the state religious education system). A town planning program was recently approved for the construction of a secondary school in the town which will also accept students from other towns. It will be a special, attractive university-oriented/affiliated high school. It will be based on an innovative model which combines the town's investment in education with the prestige of Bar Ilan University. In addition to two secular youth movements, there is also a local branch of the Bnei Akiva youth movement, which is one of the largest branches in the country. The branch operates from a new, modern building, called Beit Yossi.
Transportation
There is a well developed bus system which goes frequently to all areas of Tel Aviv, and the trains are about 25 minutes away.
Amenities / Services
The community center's (matnas) activities include: enrichment and learning activities, social and cultural programs, sports (movement and dance), music and the arts. A new Cultural Center includes: a theater auditorium, community center, library, dance center and conservatory, and facilities for the Kiryat Alon youth movement. Additionally, a new leisure and sports center has been established on an area of about 32 dunams in northeastern Givat Shmuel, which incorporates tennis courts, fitness rooms, swimming pools, a roller skating rink, a cafeteria and other services. A water park, covering an area of about 5 dunams, is also planned.
In Givat Shmuel the welfare of every single resident is cared for. This is handled by the social services department which aims to bring about positive change in the lives of individuals, families, groups and the Givat Shmuel community in general. All residents can apply to the department for assistance. Special emphasis is placed on helping groups at risk. There are two hospitals in the vicinity of the town - Tel Hashomer (Ramat Gan) and Beilinson (Petah Tikva).
Community and Religious Life
The town operates a full religious council which provides services for all residents. There are two Mikvaot (ritual bathhouses) and about 25 synagogues located around the community, which cater to the needs of the various ethnic affiliations and their customs. The town is a model of integration between the religious and secular residents who live side by side with a mutual respect and appreciation.
