Established in 1950, the Upper Galilee Regional Council encompasses 29 settlements in one of the most beautiful areas in Israel. Dispersed over a wide expanse of 295,000 dunam with a total population of 16,000, the region likewise includes the Hermon Field School and the Vered Hagalil horse ranch.

Historically inhabited by the Naftali tribe during the Biblical period, the Upper Galilee has been witness to many monumental events.  In the aftermath of King Solomon's death, when the kingdom was divided, Yerovam, the first king of Israel, created a new form of religious cultism, and made the city of Dan in the Upper Galilee central to this activity.  The many archeological remnants of Jewish synagogues and community life discovered in this area, are an indication of the large population and flourishing Jewish presence in the Upper Galilee during the Talmudic period. In more modern times, this area saw an influx of Jews from the first aliyot, as many arrived by foot through Syria and Turkey to this part of of the country.

In the past, the harsh mountainous terrains made farming in this area difficult, resulting in periods with minimal populations residing here. As a result of modern agriculture, farming became easier and with this advance, additional residents were attracted to the area.  Today, it is a popular focus of the country, both because of its many tourists sites, its abundant green, and its agricultural produce.  It is unique in that all of its residential settlements are kibbutzim, demanding an organizational, social, educational and cultural structure that adapts itself to the specific needs of this type of population.

As one of the most bountiful areas in Israel, with beautiful landscapes, valleys and mountains, the Upper Galilee region is rich in water sources and serves as a green lung for the entire country. Local settlements are in the midst of renewal and demographic growth with accelerated building of community extensions on the kibbutzim. The Council has set itself the goal of absorbing 3,000 new residents in the next few years.

Education
The Council gives high priority to education and invests a great deal of financial and human resources in this area. The education system aims to provide for the needs of all the children in the region, from birth through high school,and attempts to enable each child to meet his maximum potential and to attend a school that is optimal to his needs.

The Region has 40 day care centers, 26 kindergartens, 6 elementary schools, 4 high schools, frameworks for children with communication problems, special education, a Unit for the Advancement of Youth, and a therapeutic center for pre-schoolers with learning disabilities.

The Regional Council promotes excellence in all areas; it works towards building an educational system that is tailored to the way of life on the kibbutzim and nurtures the unique qualities of kibbutz education; community responsibility and leadership, and maintains a high level of professionalism among its educational staff. Informal education is emphasized both within individual kibbutzim and on the regional level. The activities offered include culture and sport, and provide for the needs and interests of children and parents during after-school hours and holidays.

The successful Tel Hai College is located in the region, granting academic degrees in nine different fields of study through its two faculties: the School for the Sciences and the School for Social Science and the Humanities. 

Employment and Business
In addition to the varied and high level agriculture of the area, the Upper Galilee likewise boasts a growing tourist industry.  Many of the Kibbutzim have guest houses or hotels, restaurants, museums and tourist activities and attractions.  Over one and half million guests from both Israel and abroad visit the area annually, enjoying the national parks, hiking trails, streams and waterfalls, along with vast fields of greenery and colorful wildflowers, as well as numerous towns of biblical importance.
42 local kibbutz factories and seven regional factories provide additional employment opportunities to thousands of the region's residents.

There are several well-known industrial areas in the region, some of which are owned by the Regional Council or in partnership with it, and some of which are located in neighboring regions, but hire and cater to residents in the Upper Galilee Region. They include: the Tel Hai Industrial Park, Tsahar Industrial Area, Dalton Industrial Area, the Southern Industrial Area in Kiryat Shemona, the Tephen Industrial Park, the Katzrin Industrial Area in Ramat Hagolan, the Northern Industrial Area in Kiryat Shemona, the Hazor Glilit Industrial Area and the Carmiel Industrial Area.

The Regional Council provides information for new immigrants on employment possibilities in the region and puts them in contact with potential employers. The Council has an up-to-date database of employers and is in direct contact with each new resident through the liaisons for community expansion.

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