One of the largest Regional Councils in Israel, Emek Yizrael (The Jezreel Valley), comprises a population of 28,000 residents in 39 residential settlements in an area of 350,000 dunam. The valley, as Emek Yizrael is casually known, boasts not only lush green valleys and prominent mountains but pioneer communities who maintain a legacy of cultivating the land.

Historically the area was mentioned in the days of the Egyptian Pharaoh's; in the Bible it is noted as the point where the land of three tribes Zevulan, Menashe and Yissachar adjoined. During the Second Temple and in the Mishnaic and Talmudic periods, there were flourishing urban and rural settlements and the area was known as a vibrant Jewish region.  In spite of this glorious past, those of the more contemporary Jewish settlement had many obstacles to overcome to once again make the area inhabitable. The first pioneer settlers in the Jezreel Valley found a neglected area, where swamps prevented access and the drinking sources were polluted.  At the start of the settlement movement in 1921 and upon the founding of Nahalal, one of the first objectives was to drain the swamps and locate water sources for irrigation and drinking, as well as to put a stop to the rampant Malaria and Typhus that were claiming many lives. 

By the time the State was established in 1948, 19 settlements had been created in the eastern valley. Later, the Emek Jezreel Regional Council was formed, and has since become a thriving region. Rich in historical detail, Emek Yizrael tells the story of the first settlements, the beginnings of the agricultural revival of the country and the struggles and achievements of the early pioneering years.

Education and Culture
Proud of its high level educational system and ranking among the top in students eligible for matriculation, the Emek Yizrael Council doesn’t stop there.  The educational system meets the needs of a varied population and has secular, religious, Arab and Anthroposophy schools and more. Within the classroom special programs include reinforcing English language, Environmental Protection, Peer Mentoring and private support lessons for high school students through an E teacher program, to name just a few.

In sports, culture, and general informal learning there seems to be a place for everyone. Region wide activities such as concerts, theatre, music, and dance performances as well as individual and group sports, high quality sport facilities, and participation in local and international competitions give the council's residents much in the area of recreation.

Commercial Industry
Although historically known for its place in agriculture, the Valley is never the less branching out to additional areas as well.  The council has over the years realized its important role in the tourist industry both because of its impressive past as well as the natural abundance and variety of the area.  Existing and developing industrial parks and factories are like wise making their mark on the employment and business activities in the area in a wide variety of fields such as food, plastics, precision aluminum casting, microchip processing, greenhouse nurseries and more. The regional council assists residents in establishing new businesses and in advising existing businesses and provides advice, mentoring and financing in all fields, including industry, employment, agriculture, tourism and trade.

The Megiddo Regional Council
One of the oldest Regional Councils in Israel, Megiddo, was established in 1945,, three years before the State was declared. Located in the Ramat Menashe area, its jurisdiction includes 170,000 dunam, stretching from Yokneam Illit in the North, Emek Jezreel in the East, Wadi Ara in the South and the Carmel Mountain ridge in the West. Today, there are 9600 residents living in the region in nine kibbutzim, three moshavim, and one moshava. The Regional Council is named after the ancient city of Megiddo, whose archeological remains are located within the Regional Council, near Kibbutz Megiddo.

Education and Culture
As the region develops, so do the educational facilities, and the regional Council is working hard towards meeting the needs of the expanding population. In the local elementary schools and regional high school, an emphasis has been put on creating a supportive atmosphere towards developing individual talents in the Excellence 2000 Project. A variety of courses and after school activities offering local residents a wealth of enrichment choices are available, such as languages, computer literacy, art, dance, music, history, Judaism, martial arts and more.  The Megiddo Dance School and the Megiddo Music School add to the cultural level, giving local talent the opportunity to learn skills and expertise in the fields of arts and music. 

Business and Tourism
Many cottage industries have been established within the small community networks, offering holistic treatments, country lodgings, and tourist activities to name just a few.  This in addition to local museums, natural parks, and beautiful open views adds to the tourist industry in the area.

For detailed information about communities, schools, employment and more in the Emek Jezreel Regional Council region, click here.