Tamar Regional Council

"Tamar" regional council was founded with a declaration on the 24th of May, 1956. On the footsteps of "Eshet Lot" natural salt-stone statue and at the entrance to the "Sdom Cave" on Sdom Mountain, a hostel was built in 1955 to accommodate by-passers. Several huts were used for sleeping and a salt-stone structure was used as an office, inside which the cornerstone was set for the "salt alliance" between the pioneers of the Dead-Sea and the region.

In those days the population of the region was scarce, and in the absence on an authority or a governmental body to govern this far region, the Tamar regional council was established. There was a man in the Dead-Sea region, a man named Yehuda Almog (Kopilevitch), whose heart and soul were filled with Zionism. Yehuda was one of the first comers to Sdom on the 1st of May 1934, and who harnessed a huge load of energy andhe was elected to be the first head of the council. Many changes have taken place since that day - roads have been paved, agricultural and community settlements were built, factories, touristic sites, hotels, civilian and military facilities were established and the Dead-Sea region has changed its face beyond recognition.

General Information
The uniqueness of the Tamar regional council is in the fact that its permanent population is only about 1300, however, more than one million and four hundred thousand tourists and travelers pass through its territory annually. The council's territory is a focal point for tourist, industry and settlement development that has an enormous impact on Israel's economy. The Tamar regional council recognizes the importance to make sure that all these elements grow side by side and not one on top of the other. Moreover, it provides the permanent population with municipal services (education, culture, security, health, sanitation, sewer etc.), services more expensive in comparison to the central region of the country. Furthermore, it deals with the development and maintenance of the touristic sites and provides municipal services (e.g. gardening, garbage, sewage disposal, plant lighting) and planning and licensing for industrial plants in its territory. The area's uniqueness and its multiple attractions make the Dead Sea region an attractive and interesting site, and we are always pleased to meet its many visitors.

*The information is taken from the council's website.