Editing Netivot (section)

==Culture==
Netivot is known for being the home of Jewish mystics and as a popular pilgrimage site. The growth of mysticism and sacred sites in Netivot led to it being dubbed the "[[Varanasi]] of Israel."

Important rabbinical figures tied to Netivot include [[Yaakov Israel Ifergan]], [[Yoram Abergel]],<ref>The Making of Saints: Contesting Sacred Ground. James F Hopgood (ed.) p.38</ref> and most prominently, [[Baba Sali|Israel Abuhatzeira]] (Hebrew: ר׳ יִשְׂרָאֵל אַבּוּחַצִירָא) – the "''Babi Sali''" (1889–1984), a renowned [[Moroccan Jews|Moroccan-born, Sephardic]]-[[Kabbalist]] rabbi, who had eventually settled there.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scarr |first=Cindy |date=2019-10-09 |title=The Baba Sali’s Best-Kept Secrets - Mishpacha Magazine |url=https://mishpacha.com/the-baba-salis-best-kept-secrets/ |access-date=2025-01-03 |language=en-US}}</ref>

Once a year, on the Hebrew date of his death, thousands of followers descend on the tomb in commemoration.<ref>{{cite web|title=Baba Sali|publisher=Go Israel|url=http://www.goisrael.com/Tourism_Eng/Tourist%20Information/Jewish%20Themes/Jewish_Sites/Pages/Baba%20Sali%20jew.aspx|access-date=14 December 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111225032338/http://www.goisrael.com/Tourism_Eng/Tourist%20Information/Jewish%20Themes/Jewish_Sites/Pages/Baba%20Sali%20jew.aspx|archive-date=25 December 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=ToI Staff |title=Thousands turn out for heavily regulated anniversary memorial for Baba Sali |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/thousands-turn-out-for-heavily-regulated-anniversary-memorial-for-baba-sali/ |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=www.timesofisrael.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

Eleven local newspapers are published in the city.<ref>{{cite news |last=Yagna |first=Yanir |url=https://www.haaretz.com/in-israeli-desert-town-print-newspapers-are-all-the-rage-1.5166793| title=In Israeli Desert Town, Print Newspapers Are All the Rage |date=June 1, 2012 |newspaper=[[Haaretz]] |access-date=April 17, 2019}}</ref>

Three successful nightclubs have opened in Netivot which also draw clientele from out of town,<ref name="haaretz">{{cite news |date=2008-10-17 |title=Negev town of Netivot transforms into South's nightlife hotspot |url=http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1028967.html |access-date=2008-10-20 |work=Haaretz}}</ref> attracting young people from [[Ashkelon]], [[Beersheba]], [[Omer, Israel|Omer]], [[Lehavim]], [[Ofakim]], and [[Sderot]].<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Negev Town of Netivot Transforms Into South's Nightlife Hotspot |url=https://www.haaretz.com/1.5046358 |newspaper=[[Haaretz]] |date=October 16, 2008 |access-date=April 17, 2019}}</ref>