Updates

During a marine survey off the coast, marine science students from Makif Gimel High School in Ashdod encountered a recently born dolphin calf. The expedition was conducted in collaboration with the Delphis Association and researchers from the University of Haifa as part of an educational track combining marine research and vessel navigation training.

Ashdod recorded 91 mm of rain, including about 60 mm within 90 minutes. The municipality entered Level 2 alert status and deployed municipal teams, with reinforced crews operating from 5:00 AM. Despite the heavy rainfall, 99% of streets and routes remained open to traffic.

The Port of Ashdod emergency team conducted a hazardous materials exercise as part of its routine emergency preparedness, simulating rapid response measures to ensure worker safety and operational readiness during complex incidents.

The Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Daulet Yemberdiyev, along with First Secretary Timur Temirgaliev, conducted an official visit to the Port of Ashdod. The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and Israel, during which the delegation met with Ashdod Port CEO Nissan Levy.

The Makif Tet High School community in Ashdod has dedicated a memorial space honoring seven alumni who were killed or fell in service.

Shalv Nachmani, a 19-year-old IDF combat soldier, was hospitalized at Assuta Ashdod after suffering a rare stroke while preparing to go out with friends, experiencing distorted vision, speech difficulties, and loss of balance. Ahead of World Stroke Day on October 29, hospital specialists highlighted the importance of recognizing early warning signs.

Following election day, Ashdod municipal sanitation teams conducted an overnight operation to clean public spaces across the city and remove campaign materials, restoring normal street conditions by morning.

Following the launch of Ashdod's revamped sanitation plan and a multi-week adjustment period announced by Mayor Yehiel Lasri, a local interactive poll has been launched for residents to rate the city's cleanliness.

A senior delegation from the Ministry of National Security, led by Director General Avital Chen, conducted a professional visit to Mahut, Ashdod's municipal authority for community security and resilience. The delegation reviewed the authority's various services, operations, and programs.

Two major construction projects are underway in Ashdod: the new permanent campus for the SCE Sami Shamoon College of Engineering, being built on a 46-dunam plot, and a new building expanding the city's hospital.

For the first time, the presidency of a committee of IAPORTS, the International Organization for Port Development, is held by a company outside Latin America. Roi Avrahami, Director of Innovation at Ashdod Port, was unanimously elected President of the IAPORTS Innovation Committee for 2026–2027 during the committee's third-quarter session.

Preparation for the first rain and a swift response helped protect animals in the Lachish River. Over the weekend, 5,000 cubic meters of water were flowed into the river, an oxygenation system was operated, and oxygen levels were scanned and measured for 48 hours. Following these actions, an increase in water oxygen levels was recorded.

Following their opening round win against Ironi Ness Ziona, Maccabi Rothstein Ashdod will play an away game tomorrow against Hapoel Tel Aviv at Shlomo Group Arena. This arena has not hosted basketball in the last year. The team recognizes this will be a challenging match.

Ashdod Port Company held its annual customer event last weekend, attended by port customers from various sectors. This annual event is a tradition for Ashdod Port, aimed at strengthening the relationship between the port management and its customers to foster business cooperation, excellence, innovation, and mutual growth.

Ashdod Police, the Lachish District Traffic Unit, and Ministry of Environmental Protection officials conducted a joint enforcement operation on the city's roads. During the activity, 121 tickets were issued for traffic violations, safety defects, and environmental offenses. Violations enforced included using a mobile phone while driving and driving under the influence.

A delegation led by Fentahun Assefa-Deut, director of strategic partnerships and development for the Ashdod Municipality's socio-economic mobility department for Ethiopian immigrants and chairman of the Ethiopian Jewish Heritage Center, achieved several milestones in heritage, academia, and international relations. These achievements include the inauguration of "Ashdod" Boulevard in the twin city of Bahir-Dar and the launch of a research institute in Gondar.

Ashdod observed the National Day of Mourning for the victims of October 7th by lowering city flags to half-mast. Mayor Dr. Yehiel Lasry spoke about the personal and municipal memory of that morning, which profoundly impacted many in Israel, and the heavy cost it left. The city remembers its 55 sons and daughters who were victims.

Assuta Ashdod will mark October 7th with a unique exhibition titled "Between the Sights" by artist Dana Dvorin. The exhibition connects reservists who documented the war with medical teams who saved lives. It will exceptionally be displayed inside an active hospital and feature approximately 60 photographs.

Second round of Hakafot events will take place in Ashdod on the evening of Simchat Torah at various locations, featuring parades, music, performances, and family activities. However, three years after October 7th, Simchat Torah can no longer be considered a regular celebration. Even amidst joy and tradition, it is appropriate to remember.

In Ashdod, young people are choosing to take responsibility, volunteer, and engage with their community. They are actively involved in shaping society and understanding their role, particularly in the context of remembering October 7th. This contrasts with common public discussions that often focus on youth for negative reasons.

Assuta Ashdod Public Hospital's "Medical Sandbox" system, developed in-house, has received two international innovation awards from InterSystems, an American health technology giant. A judging panel of MIT university experts selected the system for the global award in the healthcare organizations category and an additional award in the artificial intelligence category. Hundreds competed in the contest.

The Ashdod Municipality will distribute free palm fronds (schach) to residents for the Sukkot holiday. Distribution will take place over three days, from September 22 to September 24, 2026, at various locations throughout the city's districts.

Each year, the Sukkah transforms simple materials into a joyful space for the home. Residents invest in its construction, debate decorations, arrange furniture, and add lights. Now, your Sukkah can also win a prize.

The Southern District Police are preparing for Yom Kippur by deploying forces across cities from Eilat to Ashdod. Officers will maintain public safety, regulate traffic, and respond to routine and emergency incidents. Yom Kippur will be observed today and tomorrow, September 20-21, 2026.

A single message, "No pride in genocide," written on a wall in Ashdod prompted local graffiti artist Dudi Shoval to respond. Instead of removing the message, Shoval chose to use the wall to create his own artistic reply regarding the controversy surrounding the film "Nez"a."

Eti Lugasi Turkenitz has been recognized as Ashdod Woman of the Year for young people. This award honors individuals who contribute, volunteer, lead, influence, connect people, or support others. Their efforts may be publicly recognized or performed quietly and persistently out of a sense of [commitment].

Ashdod Port is expanding its international innovation activities. As part of its participation in the All About Ports international conference in Hamburg, the startup company Odyssey, led by CEO Yair Yanovitz and CTO Uri Rot, which operates within Ashdod Port's innovation framework, received an invitation to conduct a paid pilot at Hamburg Port.

A study led by the Hebrew University's School of Public Health, in collaboration with Linköping University in Sweden and Assuta Ashdod Public Hospital, is gaining international media attention. Researchers found that years of professional training and clear role distribution at Assuta Ashdod contributed to the hospital's effective response during the events of October 7. This research may serve as a tool to assist hospitals globally.

56,357 students began the school year this morning across 132 educational institutions and 443 kindergartens. This year marks Ashdod's second national education award and a first-place ranking in the national education index among large Israeli cities. The municipal education budget is 1.081 billion.

A 2025 pollution emissions report indicates a 14% increase in the emission of known and suspected carcinogenic materials in Ashdod's northern industrial zones. This rise is primarily due to emissions from the power station at the desalination plant. The report also notes a 4% increase in nitrogen oxide emissions. The Ministry of Environmental Protection is investigating discrepancies found in the report.

Parents of students from a state-religious institution in Ashdod are expected to protest this morning at 9:00 AM in front of the City Hall. They claim their children cannot start the school year as scheduled.

Tiv Ta'am, through its subsidiary Tiv Ta'am Properties, has acquired a plot of land approximately 6,000 square meters in size in Ashdod's western industrial zone for about 40.8 million Shekels. The company plans to establish a new branch on the site.

Today at 9:30 AM, the Mayor will hold the traditional press conference before the start of the school year. As every year, this is a moment to present plans, achievements, and challenges in the city's education system. However, this time, even before the first word is spoken, two central questions are already waiting that concern...

Ashdod Port Company Ltd. confirmed its financial results for the second quarter and first half of 2026. Revenues for the first half of 2026 reached NIS 657 million, marking an 11% increase compared to the same period last year. Second-quarter 2026 revenues are also noted.

There have been frequent reports of accidents and injuries involving electric scooters and bicycles among children and teenagers in Ashdod. Following these incidents, data has emerged, prompting calls for stricter enforcement regarding their use.

Detectives from the Ashdod station raided a compound in the city suspected of operating as an illegal gambling house. The business owner and several players were found at the location. Computers, money, and additional equipment were seized, and those present were detained for questioning. Police emphasize that illegal gambling centers can serve as a fertile ground for […].

Ashdod has announced the adoption of the "Shaked Alternative," a mechanism designed to replace TAMA 38. This alternative aims to facilitate the renewal of older buildings through demolition and reconstruction or strengthening and adding construction. This initiative is particularly relevant for Ashdod's older neighborhoods and districts.

To truly grasp the scale of the change, one might need to avoid visiting the area for a year. Arriving in North Ashdod today, it is difficult to recognize the familiar landscape. A new, massive district is being built before our eyes, replacing open spaces and a sparse skyline. This development is vast in scope.

The Ashdod Municipality is among the recipients of the 2026 Minister of Defense Shield Award. This annual award recognizes employers, academic institutions, and local authorities that demonstrate significant, ongoing, and exceptional support for reserve soldiers and their families. The award committee has completed its work and selected the winners.

The Cancer Society chose 13-year-old Abigail Weissman from Ashdod to lead a new public awareness campaign against smoking. This decision was made due to a concerning drop in the age at which people start smoking and the growing prevalence of smoking among children and teenagers. Abigail, a pop singer and creator, will serve as a positive role model for her peers.

Panama's Ambassador to Israel, Ezra Cohen, made an official visit to Ashdod Port to strengthen ties between the two countries and enhance economic cooperation and maritime relations between Panama and Israel. During the visit, the Chairman of the Board presented the port's activities to the Ambassador and reviewed infrastructure and technology developments.

Three significant data points concerning Ashdod's future were published last month, each presenting a different perspective on the city's status. The city council approved updated property tax rates a month ago, a decision that drew strong opposition from opposition members.

Assuta Ashdod Public Hospital achieved a significant milestone in the Ministry of Health's first report on waiting times for elective surgeries in public hospitals in Israel. The data shows that Assuta Ashdod was the only hospital in the country to meet both Ministry of Health metrics for the three most common types of cancer.

Ashdod municipality continues to establish its position as a leading authority in Israel regarding security, safety, and emergency preparedness in educational institutions. For the third consecutive year, the city has been recognized as the outstanding authority in the Southern District by the Ministry of Education. This achievement reflects ongoing professional, consistent, and extensive work.

Colonel (soon to be Brigadier General) Dr. Avi Banov, from Ashdod, is expected to be appointed as the Chief Medical Officer of the IDF and promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. This is considered one of the most senior and influential positions in the military system.

Ashdod received the Social Cohesion and Israeli Hope award from the Ministry of Education for the year תשפ״ו. Minister of Education Yoav Kisch informed Mayor Yehiel Lasry of the win, which acknowledges the education system's integrated approach to fostering intergenerational connection.

According to the 2025 personal safety survey by the Central Bureau of Statistics, Ashdod is among the top major cities in Israel. Approximately 80.3% of the city's residents reported feeling safe in their neighborhoods, while only 19.5% reported feeling a significant degree of fear or apprehension.

Transportation has become a critical issue for Ashdod residents in recent years. Protests over parking at the train station, extensive work on the Reway project, and ongoing debates about traffic congestion and accessibility highlight the significant impact of transportation on daily life for tens of thousands.

At a ceremony in Ashdod, Hanna Shoval, founder of the "Beautiful Language" Ulpan, presented a certificate of appreciation to Mayor Dr. Yehiel Lasri, naming him "Patron of the Beautiful Language Ulpan." This honor recognizes his long-standing work for new immigrants and his contributions to their integration.

Students at SCE Ashdod have developed a new system for monitoring and cleaning beaches. Currently, beach pollution measurements in Israel are done manually and focus on visible surface waste. This new system, to be unveiled at the SCE Tech Fest 26 ahead of Environmental Quality Day on June 5th, can also identify subterranean waste and separate waste from sand.

A new plan aims to address Ashdod's traffic issues. It involves shifting commuters from private vehicles to public transportation. The summary asks how to explain this to Ashdod residents who experience daily half-hour traffic jams in each direction.

For the fourth year in a row, Ashdod Municipality has been ranked first in Israel in the transparency index, ahead of Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem. The Shvil organization examined 114 criteria on the websites of local authorities. After data compilation, Ashdod received an A+ rating and a score of 100.

Serbia invited Ashdod Port to present its innovation model at the Pupin Connectivity and Investment Forum 2026 in Belgrade. Roi Avrahami, CIO and head of Ashdod Port's Blue Ocean CVC marine technology hub, represented the port at the conference, titled 'Serbia as a Connector: From Strategic Location to Regional Responsibility.'

Ashdod has been ranked third in the Ministry of Energy's index for renewable energy production. This index evaluates local authorities based on their leadership in renewable energy generation on building rooftops. Installing solar panels on rooftops offers economic benefits to residents and produces clean energy.

The Ashdod Municipality and Tourism Company have been advancing extensive projects along the coastline and marina. A professional tour was conducted at the construction site of the first hotel in the southern marina, attended by the Deputy Mayor, Eng. Shimon Katznelson, and representatives of the Tourism Company.

Ashdod Mayor Dr. Yehiel Lasry posted about his meeting with Major Tom Nissan, an Ashdod resident. Mayor Lasry described Nissan as a prominent and inspiring figure among young IDF soldiers.

The Central Bureau of Statistics released Ashdod apartment price data for Q1 2026. While an initial glance suggests a routine update, a closer look at the figures reveals a more interesting picture of the city's condition and buyer behavior.

Assuta Ashdod Public Hospital held a strategy conference titled "New Horizon – Shaping Tomorrow's Medicine." The conference presented the hospital's development plans and main goals for the coming years, led by the Chairman of Maccabi Healthcare Services and the Chairman of the Executive Committee.

Nurit Zur Ravino, Director of the Industry Division at the Ministry of Economy, visited Ashdod Port with Gil Ephraim, Director of External Collaborations, to deepen cooperation between the Ministry of Economy and port management and advance strategic initiatives to strengthen Israeli industry and the economy.

Ashdod Port Company held a festive employee event to mark its 60th anniversary, titled "60 Years of Shared Growth." The event was attended by [...]

Ashdod Mayor, Dr. Yehiel Lasry, acknowledged the renewed awarding of the international "Blue Flag" quality certification for 2026 to the city's seven bathing beaches. Ashdod has maintained this achievement for 13 consecutive years, with all declared bathing beaches in the city holding this designation.

A financial review by Yedioth Ahronoth and ynet of 17 beaches across Israel identifies Ashdod as one of the most affordable cities for family summer outings. The data indicates that prices for products and services at Ashdod's beaches are significantly lower compared to other cities, while maintaining a high level of service.

Liana Ben Alisha, 70, from Ashdod, lived for over five decades with her left hand fixed at a 90-degree angle due to a poorly treated childhood elbow fracture in Georgia. A rare and complex surgery has restored function to her hand. The professional literature does not describe such a case due to the extended period her hand was immobilized.

Ashdod is strengthening the connection between the city and the sea. The sea, once seen mainly as a scenic backdrop, is now becoming an integral part of residents' daily lives, combining education, water sports, community initiatives, and security.

Ashdod Mayor Dr. Yechiel Lasry: "After much deliberation, I have decided to join the decision of the local government center to recommend to the authorities not to hold the independence events in the usual format." The decision is based on a deep concern for public safety at this fragile time in the campaign against Iran, when there is uncertainty about the duration of the ceasefire period, and the feasibility of renewing the war. Therefore, Lasry adds: "Out of a sense of responsibility for the safety of the residents, I have come to the conclusion that it is not right to hold mass events in t

Resumption of Special Education Activities – Important Update