Located on the shores of the Kinneret in the lush Jordan Valley with a view of the Golan hills, the area is known not only for its geographical beauty but for its historical and religious legacy as well.
Abundant archeological sites alongside ancient churches give more than a hint of the impressive cultures and settlements that flourished in this area. From the first civilizations in Obadiya, to the cultural alters of the Canaanites and the many subsequent conquests including Roman, Byzantine, Crusaders, Moslem, and Ottoman as well as the exciting origins of the rich Jewish settlement in Israel, from Biblical through Talmudic times and till the present, the area is a historic goldmine.

Today it likewise holds a wealth of tourist attractions, agricultural abundance, and a diverse and continually developing industry.  The municipality embodies many kibbutzim, moshavim, and community settlements as well as the Kinneret, the countries national treasure, and additional natural gems in this lush geographical area.

Many substantial social and cultural beginnings took place in this region. In the late 1930s, the kibbutzim in the valley formed the Council of the Gush, the first regional municipal framework in Israel representing the settlements to the Mandate authorities. One of its purposes was to serve as a basis for the “Constitution of the Regional Councils” which was passed with the founding of the State. In the 1940s, the kibbutzim continued their economic, cultural and security cooperation, as well as cooperation in providing for educational needs. In 1949, the Jordon Valley Regional Council was formed and served as a model for the creation of regional councils throughout the country. Today, this Regional Council provides a wide variety of activities and services for the benefit of its residents.

Education and Sport
Throughout the Jordan Valley schools, the children enjoy and benefit from the rich green and natural beauty of the area and learn to become familiar with the wealth of natural and historic material at their doorsteps. 

Within the Councils’ jurisdiction, there are six elementary schools, one regional special education school, the Bikat Kineret junior high and high school, the Beit Yerah comprehensive high school, a school for gifted children, a naval school, and Ofek – the Center for the Integration of Computers in Education. Among the area high schools are some of the best in the country, with excellent matriculation scores.

The Council also maintains an informal education system which includes: a music studio, dance studio, the Idan Teaching Center for Educational/Community Partnership, art and science groups for children and youth, and a variety of cultural frameworks for youth: the Theatronoar (youth theater) group, the Paamon Children’s Choir, the Neurim(youth) entertainment group, Noaroked (dancing youth), Young Entrepreneurs, touring and orienteering groups.

There are sports activities for children, youth and adults in 14 different sports and competitive sport teams, including the Emek Hayarden Marchers. The Kinneret Academic College of the Jordon Valley has a student body of 3,000 studying for a number of educational and academic degrees and certification. 

Culture and Community Activity
The Council maintains an annual culture program that includes a variety of activities and events: theater, music ,and dance performances; Yad Ben Zvi lectures; Masa Rahok – a series of world travel meetings; Galeria – a series of meetings on art and literature; a regular monthly meeting of the Emek Hayarden Singing Club which has celebrated 25 years of activity; a series of tours and hikes for the 50+ community; and a weekly meeting of the Mehollim dance club. The Council also organizes various art and music groups, which include: a choir, a singing group, a theater group and orchestras of various types.

The Beit Gavriel Cultural Center located on the Kinneret shores is central in the cultural life of the area.  Movies, exhibits and cultural events take place there throughout the year to the pleasure of local residents as well as enthusiastic visitors.

Employment and Business
A variety of employment possibilities are available in the Region and in Tiberius, a distance of 10-15 km. from all the settlements in the Regional settlements.

The large tourism industry is constantly expanding with the support of the Regional Council, and business development and start ups are encouraged in both existing areas as well as in newer initiatives.

In Tzemach, a variety of industries are located and factories, some internationally acclaimed, as well as traditional agriculture are the norm in local kibbutzim and settlements in the area.

For detailed information about communities, schools, employment and more in the Jordan Valley region, click here.