Published in Women's Magazine

Making Neighborhood | Sarit Levi Ashkenazi l Photography: Yossi Zeliger

Riki and Yoni Pikar settled close to the family clan and have no intention of moving away. The abundance of activities and wealth of services offered in Karnei Shomron only convince them that they have no reason to go to the city

The Pikar Family

Yoni (39) and Riki (38) Pikar, he is a lawyer in high-tech and she owns an architecture and design studio.

Status: 16 years of marriage + 4 (Shani aged 14, Tali and Mia the twins aged 10 and Ariel aged 5).

Address in Waze: Karnei Shomron

Why here?

Riki grew up in the Ginot Shomron neighborhood in Karnei Shomron and Yoni, who immigrated from Canada at age 22, joined her family clan. "My whole family lives in greater Karnei Shomron, within walking distance of each other: the parents, my sister and I currently in Ginot Shomron, my brother in the Neve Menachem neighborhood and another sister in Ma'ale Shomron, which we will also join, God willing, in the coming summer when we move to the new house. Living close to family is a dream come true".

Beloved things in the community

"When you enter Ma'ale Shomron you get a feeling of a moshav in the north of the country. There is currently no dense construction in the community, the community is small and intimate, everything is green and the grove creates a rural atmosphere. At the same time, you can enjoy all the benefits and services of Karnei Shomron which is a developed urban community, with shopping centers, an active community center, classes, education and medical services".

Mutual respect

The population in Ginot and Ma'ale Shomron is mixed, composed of religious and secular public that maintains shared life. "It's important that we know how to live together in harmony and we see value in shared life. In Ginot Shomron there is one neighborhood that is closed to vehicles on Shabbat, but in the rest of the community cars drive on Shabbat, and yet – you never hear loud music on Shabbat. Everyone respects everyone".

Vibrant social life

"Like in any religious community, families also host each other for kiddush and Shabbat meals. In the summer there was a camping trip for young couples and the atmosphere is very friendly and warm. In each neighborhood people 'find themselves'. Karnei Shomron doesn't have a distinct religious line or one sweeping outlook. People from the wide religious spectrum live here, and therefore everyone will find what suits them".

Days of war

"I was on the volunteer committee that took care of the families of the enlisted and the soldiers of the community", says Riki. "There were many enlisted from the neighborhoods of Karnei Shomron, in Ginot alone we had 90 families. We arranged for them joint evening meals, relaxation activities, shows and gifts on weekends. There is a feeling here of an embracing community. Although I grew up here and I know people, even those who come from outside testify to this".

A place to pray in

In Karnei Shomron there is a wide variety of synagogues operating in Sephardi, Ashkenazi, Mizrahi customs, a Yemenite synagogue and a Chabad house. Daily prayers, classes and cultural activities for all ages are held in them, in Hebrew and English. "Recently we visited the synagogue in Ma'ale Shomron which we will join in the coming summer", says Yoni. "At the end of the prayer a kiddush was held for the community, and the neighborhood rabbi made sure to approach us to welcome us and introduce himself. We were pleasantly surprised by the high number of young families that were there and the children of all ages".

A place to hang out

"We're almost 40 with small children, who has time for entertainment", they laugh, but immediately say that there is a social pub in Karnei Shomron. "In the pub there are drinks and hamburgers and it's open in the evenings. There are also three pizzerias, hamburger, sushi, ice cream and Eliahu hummus, many nice places for bonding family entertainment. If you want bowling or movie theaters, you drive to G Mall in Kfar Saba, which is really close – less than twenty minutes drive". In addition, they say, the community center is active and there is a diverse range of classes and activities. "There is a pool in Karnei Shomron and two gyms with separate and mixed hours, and another pool is currently under construction".

A place for shopping

"There is a second-hand clothing store in Karnei Shomron with quality items, and it's arranged in a lovely way. In the shopping center there are clothing stores, jewelry and eyeglasses, so everything is close and you don't need to leave the community. And if you still need to – you can hop to Ra'anana or Kfar Saba".

Education system

From the couple's words it sounds that Karnei Shomron is an emerging educational powerhouse. "In each neighborhood there are kindergartens and daycares, there is a secular elementary school and three more state-religious schools: one for girls, one for boys and one mixed. At high school age, a high school yeshiva is offered for boys in the community, within which another yeshiva was opened – more Torah-oriented. The girls usually study at the ulpana in Kedumim, 20 minutes drive away, but next year a new ulpana will open in Karnei Shomron, and this is a serious upgrade", they smile. "Beyond that, there is a hesder yeshiva and a midrasha for girls in the community".

Special in education

Between the schools there are five communication classes and classes for learning disabilities. Riki, who takes part in the education committee in Karnei Shomron, says that much thought is invested in special education students. "In the community there is a project called 'Parents for Parents' established by parents of children in special education. The veteran parents constantly add new families to them, and make sure to assist and guide them. They hold lectures and workshops for parents or activities for families. The project is intended for families from the entire spectrum of special education and children with special needs". The council, they add, also operates a center for families in special education, and provides them with a wide support envelope. "The goal is that no one will have to leave the community to receive educational responses".

Main grocery

"In each neighborhood there is a grocery store and in the shopping center there is a supermarket. In addition, you can place orders from Shufersal and Rami Levy. When the delivery service started, great enthusiasm was felt. Every service that enters a community in Samaria is not taken for granted".

Special WhatsApp

During the Corona lockdown days, a street minyan was born near their home where they prayed in customs from all colors of the rainbow. "We opened a WhatsApp group called 'Mitzpeh HaNachal' since the street overlooks Nahal Kanah", says Yoni. "This minyan connected people who weren't connected before Corona. The good life that was created caused the minyan to become permanent and continues to operate to this day, in every season. In rain or heat wave we enter one of the houses". Yoni takes part in the minyan from time to time, and Riki adds that there is also a group of "women of Mitzpeh HaNachal". "On Simchat Torah, for example, we organized surprise bags for children, and from time to time kiddush and gatherings are held among the 15-20 families that continue the experience. A good atmosphere and new friendships were created".

Expectation

Together with a group of friends the couple decided to buy a house in a project by Harei Zahav company. "Today most of the construction in Samaria is of apartments, semi-detached houses or eighths, so we jumped at the opportunity for a private house". Riki adds that after years of planning and designing houses for her clients, she is finally fulfilling a dream – to move to a house she designed herself. Yoni also looks forward to the move, and especially to the large garden. "Our daughters play in basketball class, so finally there will be a place to set up a basket and play together".