Moshav in the eastern Lower
Galilee, founded in 1899 by the "Jewish Colonization
Association" (JCA) as a training farm. Also known by its Arab name -
Sejerah. The name Ilaniya, derived from Ilan - "Tree", is the
Hebrew translation of the Arabic name of the former Arab village, Sejerah.
In 1902, Ilaniya became a moshava. Many Second Aliyah* pioneers, among
them David Ben Gurion*, worked there as hired laborers. In 1909,
"HaShomer"* (the Watchman) assocation was founded in Ilaniya.
The village came under heavy Arab siege during the War
of Independence*, and was relieved only in July 1948. In 1953, through the
"Town to Country" movement, the practically abandoned village
was revived by Israeli-born settlers and immigrants from Poland, Rumania,
and later from Morocco, and became a moshav. A youth center and school
were opened on the site of the original HaShomer farm.
Ilaniya counts about 300 inhabitants today
