Nir Hen Explained

Nir Hen
Arname:نير حين
Meaning:Meadow of the 58
Founded:1955–1956
Founded By:Jewish refugees from North Africa
District:south
Council:Lakhish
Affiliation:Moshavim Movement
Pushpin Map:Israel ashkelon
Pushpin Mapsize:250
Pushpin Label Position:left
Coordinates:31.6097°N 34.7153°W

Nir Hen (Hebrew: נִיר חֵ"ן, lit. Meadow of the 58 (ח"ן is 58 in Gematria)) is a moshav in south-central Israel. Located in Hevel Lakhish between Ashkelon and Kiryat Gat, it falls under the jurisdiction of Lakhish Regional Council. In it had a population of .

History

The moshav was founded in 1956. Its name is in memory of the 58 passengers who traveled on El Al Flight 402 that was shot down over the skies of Bulgaria about a year before the community was founded. The community was originally settled by Jewish refugees from North Africa, and later other immigrants and native Israelis joined them.

Notable residents