Ariel (אריאל) is the second largest Jewish community in Samaria (the Northern West Bank). It is internationally considered an illegal settlement. It is located approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of Tel Aviv, 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of the Jordan River, and 38 miles (60 kilometers) northwest of Jerusalem. The town was founded in 1978, with an initial population of 40 families. The population, as of 2003, is 16,503. Ariel is home to the College of Judea and Samaria, which was founded in 1982; current enrollment is 8,500 students, consisting of both Jewish and Arab students from inside and outside the Green Line.
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