(ENVIRO) The Story Of Holon: Making Sand Dunes Sophisticated

"The transformation of the Tel Aviv bedroom community of Holon from a gritty city to a world-recognized magnet for culture and kids has received a fair amount of press. But few people know that the inspiration can be traced to municipal director Hana Caspi Hertsman’s parents.

Mayor Motty Sasson, 63, a Holon native, announced his determination to reverse Holon’s fortunes the moment he was elected to City Hall in 1993. He made good on that promise, earning accolades that included a spot on upscale Monocle magazine’s () July list of '10 of the freshest movers and shakers in urban politics worldwide.'

It was mainly Hertsman who provided a focus for Sasson’s successful efforts. Her vision of Holon as Israel’s culture-rich and environmentally responsible ‘Children’s City’ came directly from the priorities modeled by her mother, a preschool supervisor, and her agronomist father. Today’s Holon is a tribute to their memory, Hertsman declares."