Things To Do in Netanya

Israel is the number-one spot in the world for cutting and polishing diamonds, and Netanya is Israel's number-one diamond center, with two large factories. If you're in the market to buy, you can probably save about 20% by buying here. Even if you're not interested in buying, a visit to the National Diamond Center, 90 Herzl St. (tel. 09/862-0436), could still be an unusual experience. Telephone for information about the center's interesting and pressure-free tours. The Tourist Information Office can direct you to additional diamond industry tours in Netanya.

There's no problem finding plenty of things to do around Netanya after a day at the beach. Everything in Ha-Atzma'ut Square is open until around midnight or later, and the square is alive with strollers, sippers, diners, and people-watching cafe-sitters on a warm evening.

Be sure to check with the Tourist Information Office and the weekly calendar in the Tel Aviv section of Friday's Jerusalem Post for special events, performances, and activities of all kinds, including the weekly activities at the AACI, the Women's International Zionist Organization (WIZO), and the British Olim Society. There's quite a lot going on, especially during the summer months. Each week, in the amphitheater in Gan Ha-Melekh Park, which runs along the beachside cliffs just north of the square, there are screenings of free full-length feature films, and classical and light music (performed Sun-Thurs 5:45pm-sunset). There's also entertainment in Ha-Atzma'ut Square by top Israeli singers and folklore groups as well as community folk dancing every Saturday, beginning at 8pm. Weekly programs for children start at 6:30pm, with magicians, clowns, and so on.

Because Netanya is a resort town, with a seasonal turnover in clubs and discos, it's best to check about current choices with the well-informed Tourist Information Office at Ha-Atzma'ut Square. Bridge is often sponsored by WIZO on alternate Wednesday evenings; bingo evenings at the Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel, 28 Shmuel Ha-Naziv St. (tel. 09/833-0950), are Sunday at 8pm.