Historically Ashkelon holds a prominent place as one of the more ancient cities of the world.

For 5,000 years she had an important function in eastern civilization, as a leading shorefront city on the water route between Egypt and Syria. Today, as she takes her place as a major city in Israel, holds prizes for service and efficiency, and includes in her boundaries 106,000 residents and over 60,000 dunam, she affirms a prominent place in the modern world as well.

Situated in central/southern Israel, in an excellent geographic location on the Mediterranean shores between the ocean and the dessert entranceway, Ashkelon benefits from a pleasant and comfortable climate. As the old and new meet, Ashkelon is developing into a serious contender in the tourism industry, expanding on both its natural resources and historical heritage, while simultaneously creating new attractive services and opportunities.

This once small city, which was reestablished in 1949 by a handful of modern-day builders, has an elaborate municipal framework, a progressive educational system, extensive cultural services, a high quality of life, an advanced health system, and a rapidly developing industrial and commercial infrastructure. It is a beautiful, green city with splendid beaches and scenic landscapes, that in the past decade has welcomed and successfully absorbed 46,000 new immigrants.

Location and Population

The neighborhoods of Ashkelon have been built according to a modern plan along the sea shore and are constantly growing. They maintain a strong presence of parks and greenery that add to the pleasant atmosphere and quality of life.

In the past few years, thousands of housing units have been built in many spacious and high quality new neighborhoods. The residential quarters of Ashkelon each have their own individual character and style, but are territorially attached, maintaining both a physical and social connection between the neighborhoods. In the 53 years since its re-establishment as a modern city Ashkelon, has not stopped absorbing new immigrants.

As wave after wave of new-comers arrived, the olim would find their way, get themselves established and absorb the group after them. The immigrants arrived from all over the world, forming a rich and fascinating social mosaic that has succeeded in creating a joint community.

Education

As Ashkelon grows, so does its educational system, which offers an extensive and impressive network for children from 3 years of age to University level. As they work to accommodate the over 32,000 pupils and students, they integrate all aspects of the educational experience. Some of the projects and goals include:

• To equip all the educational institutions with computerized systems for the study of science and technology.
• To assist teachers in improving their professional abilities and in becoming familiar with new educational systems and methodology.
• Subsidized art and music education for pre-schoolers.
• Subsidized swimming and tennis lessons for fourth and fifth graders.
• Marine education for the junior high school students.
• University courses for outstanding students.
• Extra lessons and support for weaker students.
• The development and promotion of a variety of educational initiatives.

As the capital of the Ashkelon Region, Ashkelon serves as the commercial, medical and cultural center of the area, in addition to being the provider of administrative services. In the past few years the commercial sector in the city has grown and developed. Malls and shopping centers have been constructed and name brand chains have joined the consumer opportunities alongside the open markets and department stores. The medical facilities serving the Ashkelon population and the general area are all-inclusive.

They comprise all of the services of the health funds and modern geriatric- care facilities, rehabilitation centers and social and welfare services. Included among them is the Barzilai Medical Center, which is located in the heart of the city. It was established in 1961 as a government hospital and it combines comprehensive local community health services with academic research, as an affiliate of the Medical Faculty of Ben Gurion University.

The cultural and recreational opportunities in Ashkelon are extensive. The municipality provides these not only for her residents, but also for the many visitors and tourists who have come to recognize the vacation possibilities in this fast- growing area. Many projects, including the Marina and The Ashkelona Water Park, have been initiated to develop the many beach and water attractions.

Historical sites and archeological finds, as well as a new cultural center which offers a variety of performances, concerts, art shows and plays, The National Park and Museums, to name just a few, are additional recreational possibilities.

The quaint and colorful Migdal quarter with its courtyards and alleyways adds to the leisure opportunities, as do the many sport facilities which include: basketball, soccer, badminton, tennis, swimming and water sports, bicycling, handgliding, wrestling, fencing and more.

With its emphasis on parks and greenery, not only are the various neighborhoods colored by extensive upkeep and landscaping, but many gardens and public parks are made available throughout the city for use by the residents.

Employment Opportunities

Ashkelon is one of the national preferential areas, which means that investors receive additional Governmental benefits. These include special loans or grants, preferential conditions and tax discounts on available lands and infrastructure, as well as in established industrial parks. The employment possibilities in Ashkelon are wide and varied. These include: hi –tech and industry, Government offices, health professions and supportive staff, businesses, academic positions, administrative jobs and service fields, to name just a few.

The large tourism industry including hotels, tour guides and service providers, as well as the Ashkelon Marina, one of the largest and most attractive ports in the country, adds to the employment opportunities. The Ashkelon Marina has been declared an international port, attracting many ships and vacation yachts from all the Mediterranean ports. Four large malls and hundreds of small businesses and industry, provide additional options.

For additional information please contact:

Last updated: Tuesday, August 12, 2003