New Initiative Aims to Revitalize Northern Israeli City's Central Square

Shani Oren, a 51-year-old resident who moved to Kiryat Shmona a year ago, envisions a vibrant future for the city, contrasting with its current portrayal as dormant. He sees a revitalized Hermon Square as a symbol of this transformation, a hub bustling with hundreds of people, including patrons of local eateries, musicians from a community studio, tech workers, and families. Oren, who previously worked in educational organizations, aims to translate this vision into reality by attracting new families and fostering a sense of community.

Following the October 7th attacks and subsequent evacuations, Oren and a group of families established an association to draw new residents to Kiryat Shmona. They emphasize the need for comprehensive support, including housing, employment, and community integration, to ensure families not only move but also stay. The association is focusing on Hermon Square, a central but largely empty commercial area, as a focal point for this revitalization effort.

To kickstart the process, Oren partnered with the Jewish National Fund and the Kiryat Shmona municipality to renovate the square. The initiative includes establishing a community hub and social cafe within the square, with the goal of making it a central meeting place for both long-term and new residents. Regular cultural events are also being organized to draw people to the area and support local businesses.

An initial community event in Hermon Square attracted hundreds of attendees, surprising local business owners and the organizers themselves. Oren believes that creating accessible spaces where people can connect is key to building a strong community. He acknowledges the long road ahead, facing bureaucratic hurdles and the challenges of fostering change, but remains optimistic about Kiryat Shmona's potential for growth, especially with the influx of new residents.

Oren also notes a cultural difference between the north and central Israel, suggesting that new residents can help drive change by expecting services rather than solely relying on self-sufficiency. He believes that by making Hermon Square a central gathering place, the revitalization project can expand into a larger transformation for the entire city, encouraging people to invest in a future that is not yet fully realized.