Omer, Israel

Omer (Hebrew: עֹמֶר‎, lit. sheaf) is a town in the Southern District of Israel, bordering Beersheba. It is located on Highway 60, between Beersheba and the Shoket Junction. In 2019 it had a population of 7,530.[1]

For the mitzvah, see Counting of the Omer.

Omer

עֹומֶר, עומר‎‎
Local council (from 1949)
Hebrew transcription(s)
 • ISO 259ʕomr
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
 (2019)[1]
 • Total7,530
 • Density370/km2 (970/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 three municipalities to score 10/10, along with Kokhav Yair and Savyon.[3]

Notable residents

References
  1. "Population in the Localities 2019" (XLS). Israel Central Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
  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. "Local Authorities in Israel 2005, Publication #1295 - Municipality Profiles - Omer" (PDF) (in Hebrew). Israel Central Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved March 7, 2008.
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