“Did you know Savyon was once a Palestinian village?” I ask. The air hangs heavy with the scent of pine and the murmur of conversation. We stand before Savyon a place of elegant homes and manicured lawns. It is hard to imagine its past.
Savyon today is a picture of affluence. It’s one of Israel’s wealthiest municipalities ranking a perfect 10 on the socio-economic scale. But its history is more complex than its current image suggests.
Before Savyon existed there was Al-Abbasiyya a Palestinian town. Its name changed to Al-Yahudiya. The inhabitants disliked the new name which meant “the Jewish one”. They did not want their town associated with Jews. In 1948 David Ben-Gurion requested the destruction of Al-Abbasiyya. Its residents fled or were expelled.
Savyon was founded in 1955. It was created by Africa Israel Investments. They intended Savyon for elderly South African Jewish immigrants. These immigrants built large homes. The style of their homes reflected their South African lives.
The town’s name Savyon comes from a common wildflower. The eastern groundsel. Its shape influenced the town’s design creating a unique resemblance. This flower is now a symbol of Savyon. It is featured on the logo of the Savyon Local Council.
In 2003 another moshav Ganei Yehuda merged with Savyon. They became one local council covering 4500 dunams of land. The population of Savyon Ganei Yehuda is around 3100 people. A high percentage of children graduate high school. This signifies a high level of education. Many notable residents have called Savyon home including politicians businessmen and artists. Their presence adds to Savyon’s rich and multifaceted character.
Savyon’s story is a blend of prosperity and a difficult past. It’s a reminder that even the most idyllic places hold layers of history some beautiful and some painful. Savyon is a testament to both. Let’s continue our journey.