New Initiative Aims to Revitalize Kiryat Shmona's Hermon Square
Shani Oren, a 51-year-old former activist, is spearheading an initiative to transform Hermon Square in Kiryat Shmona, a city in northern Israel, from a symbol of decline into a vibrant community hub. Oren, who moved to the city with his family a year ago, envisions the square bustling with hundreds of people, similar to how he imagines the city will look in ten years. His vision includes a lively atmosphere with people enjoying food from local eateries, artists recording music, tech workers holding meetings, and children playing, all contributing to the "beating heart of the city."
Oren, who previously worked in educational movements and government relations, felt compelled to contribute to Kiryat Shmona after the October 7th attacks. He co-founded an organization with other new families to attract more people to the city, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support, including housing, employment, and community integration, beyond just encouraging relocation. The organization is collaborating with the city's demographic growth initiative and the Ministry for the Development of the Negev and Galilee.
The revitalization efforts are focused on Hermon Square, which, despite being a central urban area, suffers from numerous vacant storefronts. Oren believes that revitalizing the square will symbolically and practically lead to the renewal of Kiryat Shmona itself. The initiative, in partnership with the Jewish National Fund and the municipality, aims to create an active square that will draw people back to existing businesses and encourage new ones to open.
The first step involved establishing a presence by renovating and opening an office and a social cafe in the square, operating under the principle that "bringing life starts with being present." The broader goal is to make Hermon Square the city's "social-community square," a place for daily interaction, work, events, and fostering connections between long-term residents and newcomers. Regular cultural events, supported initially by the Bank Hapoalim Fund, are being organized to attract people and stimulate activity.
Despite facing bureaucratic hurdles and the inherent challenges of community building, Oren remains optimistic about the long-term impact. He believes that the influx of new residents, who are accustomed to seeking solutions rather than just adapting to problems, will drive the city's growth and transformation. The ultimate aim is to create a space where people can meet and build a strong community, making the vision of a thriving Kiryat Shmona a reality.
