District Central Affiliation Moshavim Movement Population (2015) 514 | Council Gezer Founded 1949 Local time Tuesday 7:09 AM | |
 | ||
Founded by Czechoslovakian immigrants Weather 12°C, Wind SE at 14 km/h, 87% Humidity | ||
Mishmar Ayalon (Hebrew: מִשְׁמַר אַיָּלוֹן, lit. Ayalon Guard) is a moshav in central Israel. Located between Latrun and Ramla on the old Jerusalem-Tel Aviv road, it falls under the jurisdiction of Gezer Regional Council. In 2015 it had a population of 514.
Contents
Map of Mishmar Ayalon, Israel
Etymology
The moshav overlooks the Biblical valley of Ayalon (Joshua 10:12), after which it is named.
History
The moshav was founded in 1949 by a gar'in of Holocaust survivors from Czechoslovakia. The Lehi forest is located in the moshav, probably because three Lehi veterans (Shimshoni, Vered and Even-Tseva) settled in the moshav in its early days.
Its main industry is agriculture, particularly focussing on fruit, vegetables and dairy farming known for their high quality cheese. Artist Jonathan Kis-Lev, born in the moshav, portrayed its picturesque landscape in many of his paintings.