# Rishon LeZion

> city in the Central District of Israel, south of Tel Aviv

**Wikidata**: [Q201051](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q201051)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rishon_LeZion)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rishon-lezion

## Summary
Rishon LeZion is a major city located in the Central District of Israel, situated south of Tel Aviv on the Israeli coastal plain and Shephelah. Founded in 1882, it is a large human settlement and planned community that serves as the capital of the Rehovot sub-district. As of 2022, the city has a population of 258,535 residents and is known for its significant desalination industry and rapid historical growth.

## Key Facts
- **Inception:** Founded in 1882.
- **Location:** Central District, Israel; south of Tel Aviv; located on the Israeli coastal plain and Shephelah.
- **Coordinates:** 31.95°N, 34.8°E.
- **Area:** 59 square kilometres.
- **Population:** 258,535 (2022 estimate via demographic balance); 249,860 (2017 census).
- **Elevation:** 40 metres above sea level.
- **Government:** Municipality; Head of government is Raz Kinstlich (term started in 2018).
- **Legislative Body:** Rishon LeZion City Council.
- **Country:** Israel (most recent value since 1948-05-14).
- **Official Language:** Hebrew.
- **Postal Code Range:** 75001–75199.
- **UN/LOCODE:** ILRLZ.
- **Israeli CBS Municipal ID:** 8300.
- **Ethnic Composition:** Jewish people (99.99%).
- **Industry:** Desalination.
- **Named After:** A verse of the Bible.
- **Notable Work:** Hatikvah.
- **Aliases:** Rishon LeZiyyon, Rishon LeTziyon, Riˀšon l Çiyon, Rischon leTzion, Rischon-le-Zion, Rishon le Zion, Rishon-Le-Zion, among others in various languages including Russian, Arabic, and Hebrew variants.

## FAQs

**Where is Rishon LeZion located geographically?**
Rishon LeZion is located in the Central District of Israel, south of Tel Aviv. It sits on the Israeli coastal plain and the Shephelah region.

**What is the population of Rishon LeZion?**
The city has a population of 258,535 as of 2022. Historical data shows steady growth from 10,433 residents in 1948 to over a quarter million in recent years.

**What is Rishon LeZion known for industrially?**
Rishon LeZion is notably associated with the desalination industry.

**Who is the current leader of Rishon LeZion?**
Raz Kinstlich serves as the head of government, having started his term in 2018.

**What are the transport links in Rishon LeZion?**
The city is part of the Israel Railways network and contains two railway stations: Rishon LeZion – HaRishonim Railway Station and Rishon LeZion – Moshe Dayan Railway Station.

## Why It Matters
Rishon LeZion represents a significant example of urban development and demographic expansion in Israel. Since its founding in 1882, it has evolved from a planned community into the fourth-largest city in Israel by population. Its role as the capital of the Rehovot sub-district underscores its administrative importance. The city's historical connection to "Hatikvah" and its heritage sites, such as the Haviv Elementary School (the first Hebrew school), Carmel Winery, and the main synagogue, highlight its cultural and foundational significance in Israeli history. Additionally, its focus on desalination positions it as a key player in addressing water resource challenges in the region.

## Notable For
- Being one of the first modern Jewish settlements in Israel, founded in 1882.
- Rapid population growth, increasing from 10,433 in 1948 to 258,535 in 2022.
- Hosting significant heritage sites: Haviv Elementary School, Carmel Winery, and the main synagogue.
- Its association with "Hatikvah," the national anthem of Israel.
- A strong desalination industry.
- Extensive international ties, with sister city relationships dating back to 1978 (Essex County).
- Being a "planned community" that evolved into a major urban center.

## Body

### History and Governance
Rishon LeZion was established in 1882 and is named after a verse of the Bible. It is classified as a city, a municipality of Israel, and a planned community. The city operates under a municipal government system with the Rishon LeZion City Council serving as its legislative body. The current head of government, Raz Kinstlich, assumed office in 2018. The city's official administrative ID with the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics is 8300.

### Geography and Demographics
Covering an area of 59 square kilometres, Rishon LeZion is situated at an elevation of 40 metres above sea level on the Israeli coastal plain and Shephelah. It shares borders with Kfar Chabad, Ness Ziona, Bat Yam, Holon, Be'er Ya'akov, and the Palmachim regional area. The population has grown substantially over the decades:
- 1948: 10,433
- 1961: 27,887
- 1983: 102,200
- 1995: 165,194
- 2017: 249,860
- 2022: 258,535
The population is predominantly Jewish (99.99%), and the official language is Hebrew.

### Infrastructure and Transportation
Rishon LeZion is integrated into national and international infrastructure networks. Its UN/LOCODE is ILRLZ, and postal codes range from 75001 to 75199. The city is part of the Israel Railways system, featuring two stations: Rishon LeZion – HaRishonim Railway Station and Rishon LeZion – Moshe Dayan Railway Station.

### Economy and Industry
The city has a notable presence in the desalination industry. Historically, it is also home to the Carmel Winery, which is designated as a heritage site.

### Culture and Heritage
Rishon LeZion holds several heritage designations, including the Haviv Elementary School, Carmel Winery, and the main synagogue. The city is also associated with "Hatikvah." It maintains a category for honorary citizens, notable people born in the city, and deaths within the city.

### International Relations
Rishon LeZion maintains sister city and twinning agreements with various cities and counties worldwide, including:
- Nîmes, France (since 1986)
- Münster, Germany (since 1981)
- Lublin, Poland (since 1992)
- Tianjin, China (since 1994)
- Debrecen, Hungary
- Brașov, Romania (since 1996)
- Essex County, United Kingdom (since 1978)
- Gondar, Ethiopia (since 2008)
- Heerenveen, Netherlands (since 1993)
- Prešov, Slovakia
- Saint Petersburg, Russia (since 2003)
- Teramo, Italy
- Prince George's County, United States
- Kharkiv, Ukraine (since 2007)
- Lviv, Ukraine
- Kiryat Shmona, Israel (since 2006)

### Digital and Academic Presence
The city has a comprehensive digital footprint, including official websites (rishonlezion.muni.il and visitrishon.co.il) and identifiers across multiple databases such as GND (4271694-9), VIAF (134926354), FAST (1231233), GeoNames (293703), and the Library of Congress (n85014478). It is featured in Wikipedia in over 60 languages and has dedicated categories on Wikimedia Commons for maps, views, and people associated with the city.

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