Dear Hodashis and Hodashiot,

On February 27th, the local elections will be held, and we take great pride in presenting our plans for the future of our city and the thriving community that has blossomed and continues to thrive here in Hod Hasharon.

The majority of the information you will read here can already be found in our work and development programs, all of which are easily accessible on the municipality website. These initiatives are not mere campaign promises, but rather integral to our ongoing vision of creating a city that meets the needs of all Hod Hasharon residents.

Over the next 5 years, we will continue to prioritize Hod Hasharon as a safe, diverse, and strong city. The programs outlined here are the result of our acknowledgement that significant changes begin with small steps. We firmly believe that this orderly and complex process is worth fighting for.

Ketzev Yesh Atid is the only local party that has English as a native language. With Linda Mosek and Rachi Ofir, both hailing from Australia, and Mayor Amir Kochavi, who grew up in Hong Kong, we clearly recognize the importance of fostering the Anglo community.

We have already made progress by establishing a new position dedicated to assisting new immigrants, which will be filled within city hall. Additionally, we have implemented the English Speakers municipal program and are actively supporting local community initiatives.

  • We have successfully implemented a comprehensive system of cameras to enhance our law enforcement efforts around the clock, with a particular focus on tackling driving and parking violations. Furthermore, we are pleased to announce that we will be expanding this initiative to include approximately 70 additional camera sites throughout the city. To oversee this project, we will establish a dedicated service center that will remain operational 24/7.
  • To address the evolving security needs, we are committed to increasing the efficiency of Hod Hasharon's security patrols. Accordingly, we will be bolstering the number of security personnel from 16 to 20.
  • Recognizing the necessity of having a police station in Hod Hasharon, we have diligently advocated for its establishment. We are pleased to inform you that the Israeli police have acknowledged this need, and we are currently awaiting government approval.
  • In order to enhance the capabilities of our Rescue unit, we will continue to invest in their training, ensuring that they maintain their professionalism and competence.
  • Additionally, we have initiated discussions with the Fire department to establish a fire station here in Hod Hasharon, further enhancing our emergency response capabilities.
  • In our efforts to ensure the well-being of our residents during emergency situations, we are committed to maintaining and upgrading intake centers and underground carparks for evacuees and individuals without suitable shelter. Furthermore, we will be upgrading the emergency buttons and alarms in educational institutions and municipal facilities.
  • Addressing the safety concerns of our educational institutions, we will establish an "Education Patrol" that will provide security and safety response services. This patrol will also conduct drills and exercises to ensure that schools and kindergartens are fully prepared for any situation.
  • Finally, we remain dedicated to enhancing the security measures in all of our city parks, including the ecological park.
  • We are committed to promoting the metro route that will bring maximum benefits to Hod Hasharon.
  • We are determined to persuade the Ministry of Transport that the light rail network must extend to the industrial area.
  • We are actively working on constructing a dedicated rest area for bus drivers, aiming to enhance the quality of our bus lines.
  • We are dedicated to improving the existing bus lines, expanding them, and introducing new ones to supplement the existing 3 lines and their timetables. We also anticipate the completion of the "fast track – city to city" project, as previously promised by the Ministry of Transport.
  • We have plans to establish a public transport terminal in the Neve Ne’eman Industrial area, facilitating easy transportation access for commuters.
  • We are committed to connecting all the current bicycle paths to the upcoming ones that are currently under construction.
  • We are actively working towards connecting our city to the Dan Bicycle Program.
  • We are currently in discussions with Keren Kayemet to develop a bike path that will link to the industrial area in Ramat HaHayal.
  • We are dedicated to further developing safe walking paths, including the creation of shaded areas, ensuring the well-being of pedestrians.
• We will be constructing a cultural center near the Neve Ne’eman industrial area which will also serve as the new home for the Hod Hasharon Music Conservatory. • Our plan includes the establishment of a center for art and artists, located right in the heart of the city center. This initiative aims to create an open house for all Hod Hasharon residents, promoting the flourishing of diverse local creativity. • Additionally, a Dance Academy will be established to foster the growth of both professional and amateur dancers alike. • To further nurture the performing arts, we will expand community theater activities and establish an urban theater academy. This academy will serve as a dedicated hub for aspiring actors, directors, screenwriters, and more, to pursue their studies. • We are proud to announce the introduction of a dedicated department for eastern music studies at the conservatory. This department will offer comprehensive education in instruments such as the oud, violin, percussion, and others. • In addition to the already vibrant Gil Amal and Neve Ne’eman festivals, we will introduce further festivals for other neighborhoods, ensuring that the entire community can come together and celebrate. • We will also enhance the scope of existing city-wide festivals, like the Hod & Hadar festival, local food festivals, the strawberry festival, and ecological art festival, among others. • Our efforts will extend to the growth of all city-wide community clubs, facilitating opportunities for people of all ages to connect, collaborate, and enjoy the arts together. • Lastly, we will actively promote collaborative street art projects between residents and local artists, fostering the creation of inspiring public art displays.
  • The completion of a master plan for shading areas with trees is scheduled for this year.
  • After successfully saving Beit Hana’ara Park, we will continue to plan and promote conservation efforts to restore the park to its natural state.
  • As part of an educational project, we will continue developing the rivers in and around Hod Hasharon.
  • We are currently working on a comprehensive program to prepare for climate changes, utilizing a multi-department approach. This plan, which includes education, a master plan for runoff management, emergency preparedness, regulation of temperatures in public spaces, and a transition to sustainable energy, will be submitted by the end of 2024.
  • In 2024, efforts will begin to preserve and enhance inner-city nature through an urban nature survey. Additionally, we will lead projects addressing hazards in these areas. A budget of NIS 5 million has been allocated for this five-year project.
  • The Hadas River Ecological Park aims to restore the river and create recreational areas for walking, riding, and leisure activities. To manage runoff effectively, a retention basin and winter pool will be created upstream of the 1202 area.
  • We are committed to increasing the use of sustainable energy by replacing street lighting with energy-saving and environmentally friendly LED lighting. We will continue to install electric charging stations for vehicles and generate photovoltaic electricity from the roofs of public buildings and parking lots. Furthermore, we encourage the installation of these systems on the roofs of shared buildings.
  • Reducing the use of chemical treatments and prioritizing biological treatments for pests is a priority. This includes implementing biological control of mosquitoes by introducing sterile mosquitoes to the ecosystem. These treatments, aimed at reducing the use of hazardous sprays in local vegetation, will be implemented in 2024.
  • In areas planned approximately 20 years ago, such as 1200 and 1302 (Tzir Hachinuch), it was once common practice to use the passages between buildings as sidewalks. However, since these passages are privately owned common spaces, the municipality is not authorized to clean or maintain them. The responsibility for the upkeep of these public passages lies with the building committees.

 

  • As part of our efforts to improve public spaces, we have ceased approving new requests for Privately-Owned Public Spaces. Instead, we are currently developing a comprehensive five-year plan to expropriate the existing Privately-Owned Public Spaces and transform them into open public areas, for which the municipality will assume responsibility for maintenance.

 

  • The first step in this process involved the approval of expropriating the Privately-Owned Public Space on HaShahar Street. This space will be transformed into an open area accessible to the public, featuring walking paths and recreational facilities running parallel to Derech Ramatayim.
  • Plans are currently being approved in older neighborhoods to enable the realization of building rights and the development of proper infrastructure for transportation, commerce, and public areas. The Gil Amal neighborhood plan is currently being prepared in the District Committee, and plans for other neighborhoods will be prepared and approved in the upcoming term.

 

  • In order to modernize old urban spaces and address accessibility issues, a "street language" project is being planned for the older neighborhoods. This project aims to clear hazards from the sidewalks, renew existing infrastructure, and implement economical lighting.

 

  • The design of new neighborhood complexes will prioritize a vibrant street life, providing space for residential, commercial, and education services.

 

  • The first of these new neighborhood complexes is the 1202 complex located in the northern part of the city, stretching from Asirei Zion Street to Highway 40. It was initially approved in 2015 and has now been redesigned with lower residential buildings, commercial properties along the main streets, and densely shaded public areas to enhance comfortable movement on foot. Additionally, schools will be included in this complex.

 

  • To enhance the ecological aspect, a Winter Pool is planned in the eastern part of the neighborhood, connecting to the Ecological Park and Nahal Hadas. This pond will incorporate a runoff retention solution to prevent flooding downstream and will serve as a focal point for ecological education activities.

 

  • The challenges posed by being in the center of the Yarkon drainage basin in the western part of the city have been carefully considered. The open public areas in complex 1302 (Tzir Hachinuch) have been redesigned and developed to serve as retention basins for winter runoff. These natural retention basins will effectively facilitate the urban drainage system during heavy rainfall and help prevent flooding in nearby streams.
  • We are planning to establish a Municipal Sports Corporation, which will be responsible for all outdoor activities and sports bodies. The plan is already prepared and is awaiting approval from the Minister of the Interior after the elections. This corporation aims to promote diversity, supervise different classes and activities, and ensure the maximum utilization of public resources.

 

  • To meet the increasing demand, we are also planning to construct two additional sports halls.

 

  • Our commitment to improving sports facilities remains strong. We will continue to build and upgrade various sports facilities throughout the city.

 

  • An inner-city tennis center will be established in area 1201, providing a convenient and accessible venue for tennis enthusiasts.

 

  • Renovation and upgrades are also planned for the Galei Ron swimming pool, ensuring better facilities for swimmers.

 

  • In order to cater to the diverse needs of neighborhoods and communities, we are proposing the creation of an urban country club and improvements to existing sports fields. This initiative will enable a wide range of sporting activities and serve the needs of the various communities within the city.

 

  • Moreover, we have plans to construct two additional "Ninja" complexes in Area 1202 and Park Atidim, offering exciting new opportunities for sports enthusiasts.

 

  • The ongoing work in the sports centers at Atidim and Shikmim schools will be completed, with the addition of a gym at Hadarim High School.

 

  • We aim to enhance the sports experience by roofing and shading eight sports fields, ensuring a comfortable environment for players and spectators.

 

  • Additionally, we plan to construct a climbing wall near the 1201 ninja complex, catering to the needs of adventure enthusiasts.

 

  • The Neve Hadar soccer field will undergo lighting replacement and upgrades, improving the playing conditions for soccer players.

 

  • Finally, we are dedicated to promoting the chess program by implementing a pilot project in public gardens this year and expanding it in the future.
  • The Center for Entrepreneurship for Senior Citizens, which opened in 2023, is committed to ongoing expansion and actively addressing community initiatives.
  • As part of our efforts to better serve senior citizens, we will be introducing an additional Entrepreneurship and Arts Center. This new facility will be easily accessible to senior citizens, with convenient parking options and proximity to public transportation.
  • To enhance convenience and accessibility, we will be opening Senior Citizen Centers in various neighborhoods throughout the city, ensuring that essential services are within reach for all.
  • In order to better support our senior citizens, we have plans to expand the Senior Citizen for Senior Citizens projects.
  • We are dedicated to expanding and continuing a wide range of sports activities for seniors in our parks.
  • Recognizing the unique needs of mentally frail individuals, we are in the process of creating an activity complex specifically tailored to address these needs.
  • Streets in the city will be named after remarkable women who have made significant contributions to society, culture, and sports in Israel.
  • Additional lighting will be installed in public spaces to enhance personal safety.
  • We are committed to supporting and fostering young leadership programs for schoolgirls.
  • The gender-awareness project in kindergartens will be expanded.
  • Our education teams will receive specialized training to further empower girls in STEM fields.
  • An urban lesson plan on gender and equality will be incorporated into the curriculum of schools and youth movements. Additionally, a gender committee will be established in the “Children's Parliament."
  • LGBT-friendly story times at the library will be continued for the enjoyment of all.
  • Residents will have the opportunity to participate in courses focused on gender awareness.
  • The promotion of local gender awareness signs throughout the city will be a priority.
  • Three updated industrial and commercial areas will be constructed in Neve Ne’eman, ensuring the city's economic stability for future generations. The existing area will undergo a complete upgrade, complemented by additional building rights for a total of 260,000 square meters, while two brand new areas will be built.
  • The Ashtrom complex in the industrial zone has already received approval for additional buildings and expansions, while plans for a modern high-tech complex comprising four office buildings in the Coca Cola complex have also been approved. This will replace traditional industries, fostering profitability.
  • To the north of Neve Ne’eman's old industrial area lies the 1400 complex, planned to span 400,000 square meters and accommodate offices, commerce, and recreation. Recently, detailed plans for this complex were approved, with construction set to commence in 2024. Additionally, a public transport terminal, a municipal building, and a cultural center are included in the visionary plans for this complex.
  • The planning phase for the third industrial zone, known as the "Lake Complex," is reaching its conclusion and is scheduled to be commissioned in 2024.
  • Part of our vision involves creating a harmonious blend of commerce, employment, recreation, and leisure facilities. To realize this, we will initiate the construction and development plan for the Gil Amal industrial area in the upcoming term.
  • An office building has already been erected in the 531 industrial area adjacent to Moshava Square, and additional buildings are forthcoming.
  • Within the 1201 neighborhood, our plans encompass the construction of an office and commercial building, as well as a country club, generating income and further augmenting the city's amenities.
  • Our city has been awarded the prestigious National Education Award for the very first time. We are immensely proud of this achievement and remain committed to further enhancing our public education system. We believe in celebrating and embracing diversity, pluralism, and excellence.
  • The process of establishing a municipal center for gifted children will commence with the formation of a new local committee dedicated to planning and construction.
  • In order to enhance the diversity of our education program, we are excited to introduce an elementary Montessori track.
  • We are actively working towards the construction of a permanent school dedicated to special education.
  • To ensure the overall growth and success of our schools, we are focused on strengthening school resources and empowering school principals. This includes offering a wider range of school majors, introducing sports and music classes, fostering the development of learning centers, and implementing unique curricula such as the Iranian studies stream at the Shikmim school.
  • We are investing in childhood development and promoting leadership skills among elementary and middle school students.
  • We are committed to establishing a seamless connection between formal and informal education, creating a continuous pedagogic partnership.
  • Our support for youth movements remains unwavering. This includes establishing a branch of Knafaim shel Krembo, expanding the scouts program to additional locations, and continually supporting working and studying youth.
  • We are working towards implementing a city-wide compensation mechanism to assist families with second, third, and additional children attending schools and other educational systems.
  • Under our leadership, Hod Hasharon has been proudly awarded the title of the most liberal city in Israel, and we are dedicated to maintaining and furthering this reputation. We are committed to investing resources in initiatives that foster diversity and equality within our community.
  • Our city believes in the importance of promoting human rights and ensuring the protection of every individual. We have implemented comprehensive study programs that focus on these fundamental principles.
  • Furthermore, we recognize the significance of accessible public transportation on Shabbat, offering our residents the convenience they deserve.
  • In line with our commitment to inclusivity, we promote civil burial, ensuring that all members of our society have the freedom to honor their loved ones according to their own beliefs.
  • Finally, we acknowledge the validity and importance of committed relationships between non-married couples and extend our municipal recognition to reflect this understanding.
  • We wholeheartedly welcome everyone to our city, where we prioritize progressive values and embrace social harmony.

© כל הזכויות שמורות לאמיר כוכבי 2013