Ramat Gan: The Green Jewel of Israel

• Helloשָׁלוֹם
  [Shalom]
• Goodbyeלְהֵיתָרוּת
  [Lehitra'ot]
• Yesכֵּן
  [Ken]
• Noלֹא
  [Lo]
• Please/You're welcomeבְּבַקָשָׁה
  [Bevakasha]
• Thank youתוֹדָה רַבָּה
  [Toda raba]
• Excuse me/Sorryסְלִיחָה
  [Slicha]
• How are you?אֵיך אַתָה?
  [Eich atah?]
• Fine. And you?טוֹב. וְאַתָה?
  [Tov. Ve'atah?]
• Do you speak English?הַאִם אַתֶם מְדַבְּרִים אַנְגְלִית?
  [Haim atem medabrim anglit?]
• I don't understandאֲנִי לֹא מֵבִין
  [Ani lo mevin]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseאֲנִי רוֹצֶה לִרְאוֹת אֶת הַתַפְרִיט, בְּבַקָשָׁה
  [Ani rotzeh lirot et hataprit, bevakasha]
• I don't eat meatאֲנִי לֹא אוֹכֵל בָשָׂר
  [Ani lo ochel basar]
• Cheers!לְחַיִים!
  [Lechaim!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseאֲנִי רוֹצֶה לְשַלֵם, בְּבַקָשָׁה
  [Ani rotzeh leshalem, bevakasha]

• Help!עֶזְרָה!
  [Ezrah!]
• Go away!לֵך וְתֵלֵך!
  [Lech vetlech!]
• Call the Police!הַתְקִיף אֶת הַמִּשְׁטָרָה!
  [Hatki af et hamishtara!]
• Call a doctor!הַתְקִיף רוֹפֶא!
  [Hatki rofe!]
• I'm lostאֲנִי אוֹבֵד דֶרֶך
  [Ani oved derech]
• I'm illאֲנִי חוֹלֶה
  [Ani holeh]

• I'd like to buy...אֲנִי רוֹצֶה לִקְנוֹת...
  [Ani rotzeh liknot...]
• I'm just lookingאֲנִי רַק רוֹאֶה
  [Ani rak roeh]
• How much is it?כַּמָה זֶה עוֹלֶה?
  [Kama zeh oleh?]
• That's too expensiveזֶה יָקָר מִדַי
  [Zeh yakar midai]
• Can you lower the price?הֲאַתָה יָכוֹל לְהוֹרִיד אֶת הַמְחִיר?
  [Hatah yachol lehorid et hamachir?]

• What time is it?מַה הַשָּעָה?
  [Ma hashaa?]
• It's one o'clockזֶה אַחַת
  [Zehachat]
• Half past (10)חֲצִי
  [Chatzi]
• Morningבֹּקֶר
  [Boker]
• Afternoonצהריים
  [Tzohorayim]
• Eveningעֶרֶב
  [Erev]
• Yesterdayאֶתמוֹל
  [Etmol]
• Todayהַיוֹם
  [Hayom]
• Tomorrowמָחָר
  [Machar]
• 1אֶחָד
  [Echad]
• 2שתיים
  [Shtayim]
• 3שלוש
  [Shalosh]
• 4אַרְבַּע
  [Arba]
• 5חֲמִשָּׁה
  [Chamisha]
• 6שִׁשָּׁה
  [Shisha]
• 7שִׁבְעָה
  [Shiv'a]
• 8שְׁמוֹנָה
  [Shmona]
• 9תִּשְׁעָה
  [Tisha]
• 10עֶשֶׂר
  [Eser]

• Where's a/the...?אֵיפֹה הַ...
  [Eifo ha...]
• What's the address?מַה הַכְתוֹבֶת?
  [Ma haktovet?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?אַתָה יָכוֹל לְהַרְאוֹת לִי (עַל הַמַפָּה)?
  [Atah yachol leha'arot li (al hamapa)?]
• When's the next (bus)?מָתַי הַאוֹטוֹבוּס הַבָּא?
  [Matai haotobus haba?]
• A ticket (to ....)כַּרְטִיס (ל...)
  [Kartis (le...)]

Ramat Gan was officially established in April 1921 as a moshava, a type of rural community. It was founded by a group of Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe who sought to create an agricultural settlement. The founders were inspired by the Zionist vision of returning to the land and creating a self-sufficient community. Initially, the settlers focused on agricultural activities, particularly citrus farming.

By the 1930s, Ramat Gan began transitioning from an agricultural settlement to a more urbanized area. The city saw the development of residential neighborhoods, schools, and commercial enterprises. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem even established an agricultural school in the area, which further contributed to its growth and urbanization.

During World War II and the British Mandate period, Ramat Gan played a significant role in the Jewish resistance movement. The city was a hub for the Haganah, the main Jewish paramilitary organization, and many clandestine activities were planned and executed from within Ramat Gan. The city's residents were actively involved in the struggle for Israeli independence.

After the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, Ramat Gan experienced a significant population boom. The city expanded rapidly as new immigrants arrived from around the world. This period saw the construction of new neighborhoods, schools, and hospitals, transforming Ramat Gan into a modern urban center.

One of the most significant milestones in the history of Ramat Gan was the establishment of Bar-Ilan University in 1955. Founded by the Religious Zionist movement, the university aimed to integrate Jewish studies with secular academic disciplines. Today, Bar-Ilan University is one of Israel's leading academic institutions and a central feature of Ramat Gan's cultural and educational landscape.

In the 1960s, Ramat Gan became home to the Israel Diamond Exchange, one of the largest and most significant diamond exchanges in the world. The Diamond Exchange District, known as the 'Bursa,' quickly developed into a major economic hub, attracting businesses and professionals from around the globe. This development significantly boosted the city's economy and international standing.

Ramat Gan has a rich cultural history, marked by the establishment of institutions like the Ramat Gan National Park, the second-largest urban park in Israel, and the Ramat Gan Safari, the largest animal collection in the Middle East. The city also hosts the Museum of Israeli Art and the Harry Oppenheimer Diamond Museum, which reflect its diverse cultural and economic heritage.

Today, Ramat Gan is a bustling urban center known for its high quality of life, diverse population, and vibrant cultural scene. It is a center for education, healthcare, and high-tech industries, with numerous parks, museums, and cultural institutions. The city's skyline is marked by modern skyscrapers, and its streets are filled with cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it a dynamic and attractive place to live and visit.

Ramat Gan is located in the Tel Aviv District of Israel. The nearest international airport is Ben Gurion Airport, approximately 20 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi, a private shuttle, or use the train service to Tel Aviv Savidor Central Railway Station and then transfer to a bus or taxi to reach Ramat Gan. The journey typically takes around 30 minutes by road.

Ramat Gan has an efficient public transportation network, including buses and shared taxis (known as Sherut). The city is well-connected to Tel Aviv and other neighboring areas. Taxis are readily available, and ride-sharing apps like Gett and Yango are popular. For those who prefer to drive, car rental services are available. Biking is also a viable option with bike lanes present in many parts of the city.

The official currency in Israel is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, and you can easily withdraw cash using international credit or debit cards. It is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in places that do not accept cards.

Ramat Gan is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be vigilant with your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to remain aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 100 for police, 101 for medical services, and 102 for fire services. Ramat Gan has several hospitals and medical centers for emergencies. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting synagogues, consider wearing modest attire and head coverings if required. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly 'Shalom' (peace) is also a common greeting. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Ramat Gan like a local, visit the local markets such as the Ramat Gan Shuk HaCarmel, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Israeli goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss a visit to the Ramat Gan Safari, one of the largest zoos in the Middle East, and the Diamond Exchange District, a global hub for diamond trading. For a unique experience, take a leisurely stroll through the National Park, which offers beautiful scenery and a serene atmosphere.