Neve Pinchas

Have you heard of Pinhas Ben-Abraham? This Samaritan high priest is the namesake of Neve Pinchas. Neve Pinchas is a unique neighborhood right here in Holon, a city in the Tel Aviv District of Israel. Originally called Neve Marka, Neve Pinchas gained its current name in honor of this important figure in the Samaritan community. The creation of Neve Pinchas is a story of vision and community. In 1948, around 60 Samaritans lived scattered across various cities like Holon, Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, and Rishon LeZion. They lacked a central community. Yitzhak Ben-Zvi, a Member of Knesset and scholar, saw the importance of preserving their unique Samaritan identity. He envisioned a place where they could live together, fostering their traditions and culture. This vision became a reality in 1954. Upon Ben-Zvi’s election as president, he collaborated with Holon’s mayors, Dr. Chaim Kogel and Panchas Ilon. Together they designated land for the Samaritan neighborhood and helped finance the construction of the first houses in Neve Pinchas. That year, around 400 Samaritans, about half the community at the time, moved to Neve Pinchas. The community continued to grow. In the early 1960s, a synagogue was built, becoming a central point for the neighborhood. After the Six Day War, Neve Pinchas welcomed Samaritan families from Nablus, including priestly families, adding another layer of tradition to the community. A second, smaller synagogue was built in the late 1990s and renovated in 2006. Today, Neve Pinchas thrives, with new homes built to accommodate the growing community. Some Samaritan families also reside in the neighboring areas of Neve Erazim, Neot Yehudit, and Kiryat Sharet, further extending the Samaritan presence in Holon. So, as you stand here in Neve Pinchas, remember the story of how a vision for community and cultural preservation became this vibrant neighborhood, a testament to the enduring spirit of the Samaritan people.