Ron Nachman

August 18, 1942 – January 2013

Ron Nachman: Visionary and Pioneer of the City of Ariel

Leader of the nucleus group that established Ariel in 1978, Nachman went on to become the Mayor of the settlement-turned-city until his passing in 2013.

In 1992, Nachman was elected as member of the 13th Knesset with the Likud party and continued to act as mayor of the city.

Nachman believed in the revival of the Jews in their homeland. Under his leadership, Ariel welcomed thousands of new immigrants from the former Soviet Union. This same Zionist vision also prompted him to welcome the community of Netzarim to Ariel upon their evacuation from the Gaza Strip in 2005 and to integrate them into the City.

Nachman was a true "Tzabar” and a 4th generation Zionist pioneer, who understood the importance of building the land and the state of Israel. From his first days as leader of the seed community, Nachman spoke of his vision of a city that would become the capital of Samaria, a vision that became reality under his leadership.

Ron Nachman passed away on January 18, 2013, following an extended battle with cancer. During his illness, he continued serving as Mayor of Ariel and never stopped materializing his long-term vision named Ariel.

After his death, Nachman was awarded the 2013 Israel Prize for his lifetime achievement and for his continued contribution to the State of Israel.