Ashalim (Hebrew: אֲשָׁלִים) is a small community settlement in southern Israel. Located in the Negev desert about 35 km south of Be'er Sheva and on the eastern side of Nahal Besor, the largest stream in the Negev, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Ramat HaNegev Regional Council. In 2022 its population was 652. Nearby settlements include Ezuz and Nitzana.[1]

Ashalim
אֲשָׁלִים
Ashalim is located in Northern Negev region of Israel
Ashalim
Ashalim
Ashalim is located in Israel
Ashalim
Ashalim
Coordinates: 30°57′45″N 34°42′5″E / 30.96250°N 34.70139°E / 30.96250; 34.70139
Country Israel
DistrictSouthern
CouncilRamat HaNegev
Founded1979
Population
 (2022)[1]
652

History

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The original village of Ashalim was one of three nahal settlements founded between Mashabei Sadeh and Nitzana in 1956. The name itself means Tamarixes, a genus of shrubs and small trees.

The new Ashalim was founded as moshav shitufi in 1979 after moving from Bir Asluj Hill close to Golda Park, a nearby artificial lake. Today Ashalim functions as a community settlement.

Kfar Adiel students village

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In 2003 Kfar Adiel, a village for students of the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, was founded near Ashalim by the Ayalim Association, whose objective is to establish settlements for students and small entrepreneurs in the Negev and the Galilee.[2]

Economy

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Ashalim is one of a number of development sites for solar power in Israel. In 2008 construction began on three solar power plants near the settlement; two thermal and one photovoltaic.[3] The 121MW Ashalim Power Station began producing power in 2018.

References

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  1. ^ a b "Regional Statistics". Israel Central Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
  2. ^ "Kfar Adiel". Archived from the original on 2011-08-12. Retrieved 2011-05-03.
  3. ^ Solar energy could raise electricity prices Archived 2008-09-29 at the Wayback Machine Haaretz, 6 August 2008
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