The new city of Modi'in, Rochester's Partnership 2000 community, is situated between Israel's Mediterranean coast and the hills of Jerusalem, approximately 25 minutes driving distance from both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

During the 1990's, the then Minister of Housing, Ariel Sharon, approved the plans for the construction of Modi'in following the waves of new immigration to Israel. In December 1993, Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin laid the cornerstone of the City of Modi'in. People began to populate the city in July 1996 and in 2001, Modi'in was officially declared a city.

Visit the Modi'in Rochester Partnership website.

Excavations conducted in the area where Modi'in is situated revealed a rich pattern of ancient settlements. During the building of the city, it was sometimes necessary to alter plans in order to preserve archeological sites and historic landmarks. For example, excavation of "Titora Hill" revealed the archeological site of a 6,000 year-old settlement. Many artifacts were found, including tools, caves, gravesites and buildings that were apparently destroyed during the earthquake of 750 BC.


The Hanukkah Connection

More than any other place, Modi'in is associated with Hannukah, the Festival of Lights. Ancient Modi'in was home to the Maccabees or Hasmoneans, the priestly family who led the Jewish rebellion against Greek Selucid rule in the second century BCE.

People have moved to Modi'in from many parts of Israel, in particular from Lod, Ramle, Jerusalem and Gush Dan (the greater Tel Aviv area), creating a diverse mix of residents. Modi'in's residents come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds and work in many fields, though a disproportionate number work in the professions or in technology.

Most of the population of over 60,000 are native Israelis, but there are also immigrant groups, in particular from the former Soviet Union, Latin America, France and other French speaking countries, and English speaking countries. About 25% of the population are religious, mostly Orthodox, but there are also strong Conservative and Reform communities.

Population

Modi'in is populated by residents who have chosen the city in order to raise their quality of life. Most of the residents of Modiin are young families, with 38% under the age of 20, 29% between the ages of 20 and 30; and 91% under the age of 49. Recently, the city has seen a process of "family reunification," with parents moving to the community in order to be close to their children and grandchildren. In addition, numerous new residents have chosen Modi'in as their home after hearing the recommendations of their friends living there.

Most of the families are young, well-established, and include two children. About one third of the residents are high school graduates, while 60% have completed higher-education courses or hold academic degrees. The most common professions among the residents of Modi'in are in the fields of education, engineering and technical fields, medicine, computers, and economics. Modi'in enjoys a well-deserved reputation as a unique and dynamic community with a young, well-educated populace.

Learn more about Modi'in at www.m-net.co.il/olim/dream.html and www.geocities.com/jelbaum/Modiin.html.

Scroll below for links to more information about our Partnership with Modi'in.