With the preparation of the separate beach in Ashdod recently, thousands of people have begun to flock to the small coastal strip, which is the beach serving the chareidi and religious community in the city, which is also enjoyed by the many vacationers coming from other areas. This has resulted in harsh claims from visitors to the separate beach of severe overcrowding. Some visitors expressed shock over conditions, due to the density of people wishing to take advantage of the limited-sized separate-swimming beach.

Kikar Shabbos News quotes a chareidi resident of the city saying, “I am ashamed to come to this beach which is crowded with thousands of people, in order to enjoy some water. There are 10 beaches in the city, and for us, the chareidi and religious tzibur, which make up one-third of the population of the city, don’t we too deserve a normal beach?”

The angry resident adds, “Seven years ago, [Mayor Yechiel] Lasri expropriated a large strip of land from the coast, in favor of the surfers,” he said, adding that “the time has come for us to return the area and give people some room to breathe”.

The Ashdod Municipality responded to a Kikar News inquiry: “The beach that has been allocated for separate swimming a number of years ago at the current location remains in the same dimensions. On the contrary, the beach is on the highest level as compared to other separate beaches in Israel. We remain in constant touch with the various chassidic sects and the tzibur towards giving the highest possible service with an emphasis on all matters of tznius.

“Here are some examples:
1. Expansion of the external parking lot and making necessary parking provisions.
2. Construction of a new dressing room to accommodate 45 visitors simultaneously.
3. Expansion of the mechitzah at sea to improve segregation for swimmers.
4. Transition to segregation days for men and women.
5. Hiring of an outside company providing workers in clinics and cleaning crews in accordance with the days of men and women (Female medical personnel and cleaning personnel on women’s days).
6. A significant increase in the number of lifeguards on busy days.
7. Launching the service to provide lounge chair and more, including a kiosk; all at an affordable price.

“The general public praises and appreciates the activity and level of service. ”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)