Kfar Vradim

Kfar Vradim (Hebrew: כְּפַר וְרָדִים) is a town (local council) in northern Israel, with a population of 5800 (2008). It is situated just south of Ma'alot-Tarshiha and about 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) south of the border with Lebanon. Kfar Vradim is close to major cities like Nahariya (20 kilometers) and Karmiel (16 kilometers). Kfar Vradim was established in September 1984. Its founder, Stef Wertheimer, sought to create an industrial town within the midst of nature.

Kfar Vradim started as a town with 50-100 families, and at first had no electricity and running water. The first families to move were mostly workers at ISCAR Metalworking, a successful factory owned by Stef Wertheimer specialising in metal blades and high performance cutting tools. Initially, Kfar Vradim received no support or recognition from the Israeli government, which didn't consider it to be a valid town, resulting in a financial crisis. Eventually, it was recognized and began receiving support.