The Origin of Netanya’s Name: Nathan Straus and a Gift to Israel’s Coast
Netanya takes its name from American philanthropist Nathan Straus, co-owner of Macy’s, and also means “gift of God” in Hebrew. Explore how pioneers founded the city in 1929 and why this name still resonates today.
A Name from America, Rich with Meaning
Netanya, now one of Israel’s largest cities, is named after Nathan Straus (1848–1931) — an American Jewish philanthropist best known as co-owner of Macy’s and Abraham & Straus department stores. In 1928, as pioneers prepared to establish a new community on Israel’s Mediterranean coast, they chose to honour Straus in hopes of securing his support.
The choice of name also resonated deeply in Hebrew. Netanya (נתניה) combines “Nathan” and “Yah,” meaning "God gives" or “gift of God.” For the founders and early residents, the name symbolised aspiration as well as gratitude.
How a Vision Became a City
The city’s founding was driven by the Bnei Binyamin association, with leaders Oved Ben-Ami and Itamar Ben-Avi raising funds in the United States. One of their main arguments was that the future settlement would be named after Nathan Straus, who was celebrating his 80th birthday. On September 10, 1928, the group secured 350 acres (about 1.4 km²) of farmland by the village of Umm Khalid.
From the beginning, the search for potable water was essential. After months of effort, a team led by Moshe Shaked discovered a fresh water supply on February 12, 1929. Just days later, on February 18, 1929 (Tu BiShvat), the first settlers began working the land — a moment still marked as Netanya’s official birthday.
Naming for Straus — and the Promise of Support
The founders hoped Nathan Straus would become a major benefactor. While he gave a modest initial gift and moral encouragement, he explained that much of his wealth had already been distributed to earlier Jewish and humanitarian causes. Nevertheless, the name Netanya was kept both as a tribute and for its Hebrew significance.
From Coastal Colony to Thriving City
The city’s early years were not without challenges. The 1929 riots forced a temporary halt, but by Sukkot that year the first ten houses were started. A kindergarten opened in 1930, the first school in 1931, and by the 1931 census Netanya had 253 residents. Over time, new neighbourhoods and industries appeared, including Israel’s first diamond polishing plant in 1939.
When Netanya was declared a city on December 3, 1948 — the first municipality recognised in the new State of Israel — its population was estimated at 9,000 (Netanya municipality) to 11,600 (Wikipedia). Today, Netanya has nearly 235,000 residents, ranks as Israel’s seventh-largest city, and its shores, neighbourhoods, and diverse economy continue to attract newcomers from Israel and abroad.
Netanya: A "Gift of God" on the Mediterranean
Netanya’s name reflects a shared legacy — a tribute to a philanthropist and a phrase with biblical resonance. This origin makes Netanya unusual compared with naming practices in places like the UK or the US, where cities are rarely named for contemporary philanthropists. For more about the spelling and pronunciation of the city’s name, see our article Netanya or Natanya? How to Spell and Say the City's Name.
If you have questions about real estate or living in Netanya, contact us — we guide you in English, French and Hebrew.