Kiryat Matalon

Why did Kiryat Matalon become a hub for telecom giants? We’re standing at the edge of Kiryat Matalon, a neighborhood in Petah Tikva that’s become synonymous with connection. It wasn’t always this way. Kiryat Matalon’s story is intertwined with the larger narrative of Petah Tikva, the “Mother of Settlements.” Founded in 1878 by religious Jews seeking to revive agricultural life in the Holy Land, Petah Tikva faced numerous challenges, from malaria outbreaks to land disputes. Kiryat Matalon itself emerged as a distinct neighborhood after 1948, absorbing the former Arab village of Fajja. Kiryat Matalon was named after Moshe Itzhak Matalon. Initially, this area became a key industrial zone. Textiles, metalwork, and food processing plants sprouted up, transforming the landscape. This industrial legacy paved the way for the technological boom that would follow. Today, Kiryat Matalon houses major telecom companies like Bezeq International and 012Smile. It’s also home to the studios of Arutz Sheva, a religious media outlet, and the printing press of the Besheva newspaper. Kiryat Matalon reflects the evolution of Petah Tikva. From agricultural roots to industrial prowess and now a digital hub, it embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience that defines this city. The hum of servers and the constant flow of information are a far cry from the malaria-ridden swamps of the early days. Yet, the spirit of hope and hard work that built Petah Tikva continues to pulse through Kiryat Matalon, connecting it to the past while propelling it towards the future.