Azata To Change Its Name

The Azata Regional Council has decided to change its name - because of the Gaza-related connotations its current name invokes. Gaza in Hebrew is pronounced Ah-za, and potential residents, investors, visitors and suppliers are often fearful of coming to an area named Azata. Two alternative names will be considered: Maoz HaNegev (Fortress of the Negev), and Sdot HaNegev (Fields of the Negev). The Jerusalem municipality also recently voted to change the name of the famous Derech Aza street in the Rechavia neighborhood; the proposed new name was New York St. However, the Government Names Committee rejected Jerusalem\'s request, saying that just as Hevron Blvd., Bethlehem St, and Shechem Rd. in the capital will not be changed, neither will Derech Aza.