Netanya, city in western Israel, at the edge of the Plain of Sharon, on the Mediterranean Sea, near Tel Aviv-Yafo (Tel Aviv-Jaffa). The city is a junction on the coastal road, and the railroad runs along its inland edge. An industrial zone has been established, and textile-milling, food-processing, and bottling industries are supplemented by the production of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, rubber and plastic products, wine, and paper products. The most famous industry of the city, however, is diamond cutting and polishing, established by Belgian immigrants just before and during World War II (1939-1945). A beach and health resort, the city has extensive gardens that overlook the sea. It is the site of the Goldmunz Art Museum. Netanya was founded in 1928 by Zionist settlers and is named for the American philanthropist Nathan Straus. Population (1998 estimate) 152,179.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2001 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Netanya Information info
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