Omer, Israel

Omer (Hebrew: עֹמֶר, lit. sheaf) is an affluent town in the Southern District of Israel, bordering Beersheba. It is located on Highway 60, between Beersheba and the Shoket Junction. In 2022 it had a population of 7,710.[1]

For the mitzvah, see Counting of the Omer.

Omer
עומר‎‎
Local council (from 1949)
Hebrew transcription(s)
 • ISO 259ʕomr
Omer is located in Northern Negev region of Israel
Omer
Omer
Omer is located in Israel
Omer
Omer
Coordinates: 31°15′51″N 34°50′49″E
Country Israel
DistrictSouthern
Founded1949
Government
 • Head of MunicipalityPini Badash
Area
 • Total20,126 dunams (20.1 km2 or 7.8 sq mi)
Population
 (2022)[1]
 • Total7,710
 • Density380/km2 (990/sq mi)
Name meaningSheaf

History
Omer movie theater and soldiers' club

Omer, originally known as Hevrona, was founded as a kibbutz in 1949. The early residents were demobilized Palmach soldiers. In 1951, it became a cooperative village known as Eilata. In 1953, it was re-established as a communal moshav by immigrants from Hungary and Romania and renamed Omer. The name is based on the offering of the first sheafs in Leviticus 23:10.[2]

In 1957, residents of the ma'abarot in the vicinity moved to Omer. In 1962, it was renamed Tomer and became a neighborhood of Beersheba. Since 1974, it has been an independent town and suburb of Beersheba.[2]

Pini Badash has served as mayor since 1990. Omer's jurisdiction is 20,126 dunams (~20.1 km²).

Economy

Omer is known for its high socio-economic ranking. It is one of four municipalities to score 10/10, along with Kfar Shmaryahu, Lehavim and Savyon.[3]

Notable residents
  • Eviatar Banai, musician
  • Orna Banai, actress and comedian
  • Guy Barnea, Olympic swimmer
  • Roni Dalumi, singer
  • Mickey Edelstein, general
  • Amir Ganiel, swimmer
  • Imri Ganiel, Olympic swimmer
  • Ziv Kalontarov, Olympic swimmer
  • Shaul Ladany, world-record-holding Olympic racewalker, Bergen-Belsen survivor, Munich Massacre survivor, and Professor of Industrial Engineering

References
  1. "Regional Statistics". Israel Central Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
  2. HaReuveni, Immanuel (1999). Lexicon of the Land of Israel (in Hebrew). Miskal - Yedioth Ahronoth Books and Chemed Books. p. 769. ISBN 965-448-413-7.
  3. Media release cbs.gov.il
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