Kiryat Haim

In 1933, a determined group of pioneers arrived at the sandy shores of Kiryat Haim, Haifa. They were members of Kibbutz Kfar Masaryk, seeking a new home. Kiryat Haim, named after the Zionist leader Haim Arlosoroff, became their canvas. Originally known as “Czecho-Lita”, reflecting their Czechoslovakian and Lithuanian roots, the group had first settled in Bat Galim before finding their place in Kiryat Haim, just west of the railway. They transformed the dunes into fertile ground, cultivating vegetables and establishing a dairy farm. They also adopted a new name: Mishmar Zevulun, meaning “Guardian of Zevulun Valley”. This symbolized their commitment to protecting and nurturing their new home. Kiryat Haim is divided into two distinct sections: East and West. Kiryat Haim West stretches from the railway line to the beautiful Mediterranean beach. Kiryat Haim East, developed later, lies on the opposite side of the railway. Initially characterized by single-family homes, Kiryat Haim East later saw the rise of apartment buildings and denser housing. Achi Eilat Street became the bustling heart of Kiryat Haim East, a hub of shops, restaurants, and the local supermarket. Kiryat Haim is more than just a residential area. It boasts a rich history and vibrant cultural life. The Thomas D’Alesandro Stadium, also known as Kiryat Haim Stadium, has witnessed countless football matches, once serving as the home ground for both Hapoel Haifa and Maccabi Haifa. The stadium’s name honors the former mayor of Baltimore, Thomas D’Alesandro. Kiryat Haim also nurtured the talents of notable figures like Moshe Ya’alon, former Minister of Defense and Chief of Joint Staff, and actress and model Rotem Sela. Music lovers may recognize Kiryat Haim as the birthplace of renowned Israeli musician Yehuda Poliker and singer Shiri Maimon. The area is well-connected, served by the Kiryat Haim railway station, part of the Coastal railway line. Egged bus lines 13, 15, and 26 crisscross Kiryat Haim, ensuring convenient access to neighboring areas. For late-night travel, night bus 210 provides a meandering route through the Krayot region. Kiryat Haim also witnessed a significant influx of immigrants from the former Soviet Union in the 1990s and is home to a substantial Ethiopian Israeli community, adding to its diverse tapestry. Along the coast, the Haifa Economic Corporation created the Kiryat Haim Promenade, named in honor of Israeli environmental minister Yehudit Naot, offering residents and visitors a scenic escape by the sea.