01In brief
Ge'alya is a moshav in Israel's central coastal plain, northeast of Rehovot and southwest of Yavne. Established at the end of 1948 by immigrants from Bulgaria, it is affiliated with the Moshav Movement and the Gan Raveh Regional Council and covers about 2,000 dunams. Its first approximately 100 families relied mainly on vegetable cultivation, while poultry later became the principal source of income. A 2004 population figure was 1,095; an undated Ministry of Defense memorial page gives approximately 1,200 residents.
02Overview
Ge'alya lies in Israel's central coastal plain, positioned northeast of Rehovot and southwest of Yavne. It covers approximately 2,000 dunams. Nearby transport corridors include Route 410 and a railway to the southeast, Route 42 to the west, and Route 411 to the northeast.[1]
A 2020 environmental survey of Farm 163—not the entire moshav—placed the surveyed property about 8,086 meters from the Mediterranean coast and at 24–25 meters above sea level. The same survey listed the Ge'alya Pardes 50 well about 260 meters from that property.[2]
03History
Ge'alya was established at the end of 1948 by immigrants from Bulgaria.[3] The Israel Land Authority likewise records the founding year as 1948 and states that the initial settlement comprised about 100 families, primarily engaged in vegetable cultivation.[1] A government survey also records citrus orchards among the moshav's early agricultural uses.[2]
04Demographics
Ge'alya is affiliated with the Moshav Movement (Tenu'at ha-Moshavim) and falls under the Gan Raveh Regional Council.[4][1] A population table records 1,095 inhabitants on December 31, 2004.[4] The Ministry of Defense's Izkor memorial page gives approximately 1,200 residents, but provides no census date; the number is therefore best treated as an approximate site description rather than a current official census figure.[3]
05Economy and Culture
In its early years, Ge'alya's economy centered on vegetable cultivation and citrus orchards. Poultry farming later became the moshav's principal source of income.[1][2] On Farm 163, a 2020 survey documented several rows of trees remaining from a former orchard and identified a structure that had previously served as a chicken coop.[2]
During the 2000s, many residents ceased farming as the moshav changed character. A gas station and restaurant were established, while some farms acquired warehouses and workshops.[1] Official records describe a mixture of residential plots, agricultural land, storage facilities, offices, contracting operations, and other nonagricultural uses.[1][2]
06Notable Sites
A memorial in central Ge'alya commemorates members of the moshav who fell in Israel's wars. It stands near the intersection of HaAlon and HaRimon streets beside Route 410.[3] The monument includes a curved stone wall, a memorial torch, an Israeli flag, black marble plaques naming the fallen, and a tall black marble column bearing the emblem of the Israel Defense Forces.[3]
Sources
- 1Israel Land Authority, First Objection Decision concerning land in Moshav Ge'alya (accessed September 16, 2026)
- 2Ministry of Environmental Protection, Historical Survey of Farm 163, Moshav Ge'alya (accessed September 16, 2026)
- 3Izkor, Ministry of Defense, Memorial to Residents of Ge'alya Who Fell in Israel's Wars (accessed September 16, 2026)
- 4Encyclopedia.com, Land of Israel: Population (accessed September 16, 2026)
IsraelPedia Question & Answers
What is Ge'alya?
Ge'alya is a moshav located in Israel's central coastal plain, northeast of Rehovot and southwest of Yavne. Established at the end of 1948 by immigrants from Bulgaria, it is affiliated with the Moshav Movement and the Gan Raveh Regional Council and covers approximately 2,000 dunams.
Who founded Ge'alya and when?
Ge'alya was established at the end of 1948 by immigrants from Bulgaria. The initial settlement comprised about 100 families, who were primarily engaged in vegetable cultivation, with citrus orchards also among the moshav's early agricultural uses.
What is the population of Ge'alya?
A population table records 1,095 inhabitants in Ge'alya as of December 31, 2004. The Ministry of Defense's Izkor memorial page gives approximately 1,200 residents, though it provides no census date and is best treated as an approximate description rather than an official census figure.
What is the main economic activity in Ge'alya?
Ge'alya's economy began with vegetable cultivation and citrus orchards, but poultry farming later became the moshav's principal source of income. During the 2000s, many residents ceased farming as the moshav changed character, with a gas station and restaurant established and some farms converted to warehouses, workshops, and other nonagricultural uses.
What does the war memorial in Ge'alya look like?
The war memorial in central Ge'alya, which commemorates members of the moshav who fell in Israel's wars, stands near the intersection of HaAlon and HaRimon streets beside Route 410. It includes a curved stone wall, a memorial torch, an Israeli flag, black marble plaques naming the fallen, and a tall black marble column bearing the emblem of the Israel Defense Forces.