A theme park will soon emerge in Dimona, the Capital of the Negev. The Park Pla-im, or the park of wonders, was designed by two rabbis – Rabbi Yosef Zvi Ramon from the Alon Shvut settlement and Rabbi Eli Targine.
Rabbi Targine stated that his love for theme parks is rooted in childhood visits to his grandparents. They lived in Orlando, Florida, where there is a Disneyworld amusement park.
A Jewish-themed amusement park.
It will feature rides including one called The People of the Book Rollercoaster. Built around a giant structure shaped like leather-bound books. There will also be a water ride titled The Shabbat Attraction. This ride is inspired by Splash Mountain and promises to: Allow the visitor to experience the contrast between the madness of modern life and the tranquility of Shabbat.
The park will be built on a 100-hectare area at the gates of the city of Dimona and near Yeruham. Its opening is set for 2023.
The company ITEC has been designated to handle the project development; it has undertaken the Harry Potter park and Magic Kingdom in Orlando. The company plans 16 mega rides developed and built exclusively in Israel.
The 250-acre park will include the famous Splash Mountain from Orlando, but instead of the Colorado mountains, there will be a mountain of Torah books reaching about fifty stories high. The famous train will pass over Jacob’s ladder. Thus, roller coasters will illustrate the transition from the weekdays to Shabbat. Each attraction will try to convey its message of the history of the Jewish people and religion over time.
Around the park, there will be:
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- a water park,
- 5-star hotels in American style,
- a large golf green
- as well as other tourist activities.
This project will boost tourism at the gates of the Negev. Furthermore, it will enhance the brand image of nearby cities such as Yeruham, Dimona, Arad, and Mitzpe Ramon.
The workforce will also see exponential growth. Moreover, this project will create various job opportunities. This will increase the employment rate in this currently quite underemployed region.
The pioneers of the project:
Beni Bitton: Mayor of Dimona
Rabbi Elie Tragin & Rabbi Tzvi Rimon
The Minister of Tourism: Yariv Lewin
