Agriculture, Employment, and Trade

Lod is one of the oldest cities in Israel. It was mentioned in ancient historical sources as early as 3,500 years ago, and for generations it served as a spiritual and cultural center for Jews, as well as a spiritual center for Christians and Muslims.

Great rabbis, such as Rabbi Eliezer ben Horkanos, Rabbi Tarfon, Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi, and Rabbi Akiva, established centers of learning in Lod, which led to a period of economic prosperity during the Roman period.

Lod's economic prosperity is reflected in the verse, “He who wishes to become wise shall go north, and he who wishes to become rich shall go south.” The word ‘south’ refers to Lod, which was also called “Assisiyot.” Indeed, the Jews of Lod were engaged in various professions. They were merchants, doctors (the most famous of whom was Theodore the Physician), farmers in various fields, fabric dyers (a very common profession in the city), weavers, potters, and, of course, many scholars. Among the industrial products were a developed fabric dyeing industry, a barrel industry (“Lod barrels”), a jug industry, and a textile industry (a particularly famous dyed fabric was made here and was also mentioned in foreign books, such as a certain Latin book).  Agricultural industries included sheep farming, figs, vineyards, orchards, and more. Trade was a particularly important industry.

During the Ottoman period, the residents of Lod continued to engage in agriculture throughout the period.  The city and its surroundings were very well maintained, to the point that it was “surrounded by gardens on all sides, except for the eastern side near the hills.” The olive trees, for which the city was renowned, continued to impress the many visitors and arouse their admiration.

The main change during the Ottoman period was in transportation. Agricultural products intended for export, such as oils, soap, and citrus fruits, were transported to the port of Jaffa by a small train, popularly known as the “Trazina.” This vehicle, developed by Dra-Zin, was noted by the locals in a slang “drazina” and replaced the port, which had been the main means of transport until then.

As in previous periods, agriculture continued to employ most of the population during the Mandatory period. Crops included wheat, sesame, vegetables, and orchards (mainly olive trees). During this period, citrus fruits were introduced to the area surrounding the city. The orchard owners were wealthy families (the Dahmash and Hasuna families).

The traditional livestock market also continued to operate during the Mandate period. Located not far from Khan al-Hilou, where only agricultural produce was traded, the livestock market was national in scope and attracted merchants from all over the country.

The first immigrants who arrived in Lod in the 1950s were mainly employed in jobs initiated by the Military Government. With the establishment of the Municipal Committee, more jobs were added in clearing rubble, installing water pipes, renovating houses, and paving roads and sidewalks.

The efforts and endeavors of the Municipality and the Histadrut in the 1950s bore fruit, and by 1955, several large factories had been established in Lod, which continue to provide a source of livelihood for hundreds and thousands of workers to this day. The first factory, which employed 50 workers from the outset, was the cigarette factory of the “HaHoma” company. This factory produced the “Knesset 6” cigarette, which was renowned throughout the country. Another factory, “Telrad,” a national factory for switchboards and telephones, employed over 60 workers. In addition, small factories were established, employing up to 10 workers, with minimal capital from some of the city's resident.

The desire to increase sources of income sometimes led not only to the establishment of short-lived factories, but also to future plans such as a tourist center.

From: Vakar, Ora, 1977, Lod - Historical Geography, published by Goma and the Lod Municipality - Cherikover.