Ashdod is located on the golden coast of the Mediterranean, only 35 kilometers from the cities of Tel Aviv and Ashkelon. Established in 1956, Ashdod offers a high quality of life and outstanding services to its residents, attracting both new immigrants and veteran Israelis.

Population

The strong foundations laid by the city’s founders were further strengthened by immigrants and other residents who have moved to the city over the years. Together they comprise a harmonious social mosaic that enriches the community life of the diverse population, which speaks over seventy languages.

Of the approximately 190,000 residents living in Ashdod, 35% are new immigrants. In the past decade the city has doubled its population, with the number of school children and students substantially increasing as well. These positive developments are first and foremost a result of the many immigrants who have chosen Ashdod as their new home and of the contributions they have made.

Housing

Following years of planning and extensive development and roadwork expansion, seventeen residential areas, many commercial centers and various public institutions have been established. They are connected by an elaborate road system, joining them to three industrial areas, a modern marina, busy port, beach front and a lively, bustling promenade.

The new and older sections of the city offer a variety of housing options for purchase or rent, including private and semi-private houses and multi-story apartments with relatively lower prices compared to other cities located in the center of the country.

Ashdod is known for its urban planning including the development, landscaping and tending of municipal areas, public parks and the cultivation of wide boulevards and numerous roads and entrances to the city.

Education

The Municipality of Ashdod invests 30% of its budget into the development and strengthening of the city’s education system – which includes nursery, primary, junior high and high schools. In an effort to meet the needs of working parents, the city offers many long-day child care facilities and options for children of all ages.

In the past few years the local education system has absorbed thousands of new immigrant students from a variety of countries. In order to facilitate their absorption and to advance their learning achievements, the education system has adapted a special learning program that offers continuous studies from nursery school until college or university. This program also includes language laboratories and a professionally run computerized infrastructure.

The city boasts three colleges in various fields, and in the coming academic year will also offer technological and science study programs.

The pedagogic center of Ashdod encourages educational initiatives, as well as the development of state-of-the-art educational projects. Ashdod students have achieved educational scores above the national average.

Employment

Ashdod is an industrial and commercial center, serving both the local residents and those from the surrounding areas. The industrial areas offer a variety of services, with the Electric Company and construction and steel factories among the more prominent.

The Ashdod Port, the second in importance in the country, employs a large number of workers in many professions.

With the development of the city there is a continual need for additional health, educational, community and public services. Alongside these options, commercial and tourist activities offer additional employment options.

Cultural and Municipal Services

Ashdod offers a variety of cultural, educational and sporting activities for residents of all ages. The city has many sports fields, gyms, swimming pools and widespread activities in maritime athletics and recreation.

Youth movements, senior citizens’ clubs as well as voluntary organizations have produced a variety of social and cultural programs, which, together with the social services and activities developed by the municipality, offer special projects for the educational and professional integration of the physically challenged, convalescents, and special services for the elderly. 

Absorption

Ashdod is considered to be one of the most successful cities in Israel in absorbing new immigrants. More than 65,000 new immigrants have been successfully absorbed here, over the past decade.
Ashdod’s vast experience in absorbing immigration has been evident in all waves of aliyah. Proof of their success is the satisfaction of the immigrants, who enjoy a broad network of assistance for all their absorption needs. Personal attention, basic information about the city and the social and cultural activities offered to immigrants (Yiddish clubs, hobby groups, courses for single parents, courses in languages, Judaism, community leadership, business entrepreneurship, etc.) are all factors that lead to a successful and speedy adaptation to life in the city of Ashdod.

With each additional wave of aliyah more and more immigrants choose to make their permanent homes in Ashdod.

For additional information:

In Israel
Ashdod Municipality:
10 Rehov Hagdud Haivri
77100 Ashdod
Tel: (08) 854-5454

Last updated: Tuesday, August 12, 2003