inhabits about 180,000 citizens, and contributes a fair part of the settlement and financial
map of Israel. This modern city which hosts the largest port in the country, heavy
industry and high-tech, is also seeking to boost the tourist industry.
The colors blue, yellow and green which are found so frequently in the
Mediterranean climate, together with the rich past of the city, created the
background for this book, an album dedicated to the city of Ashdod.
The book "Ashdod 2000", includes up to date subjects such as;
geography,history, original settler stories, sites, hike routs and additional
valuable information, which may add and contribute to the general knowledge of local
citizens, tourists and to the Israeli fellow citizens.
Tel Mor
Tel Mor (in Arabic Tel Mara) is located on the north shore of the Lachish River
on the 'Via Mare', a kilometer away from the sea and seven kilometers north
west Of the ancient Ashdod (Tel Ashdod). The surface of this Tel is 6 dunam
and it is more than 15 meters high. Archaeological excavations revealed twelve
different layers of civilization tracing back to the Hellenistic Era, (15th century
BCE) up to a century before the Christian Era. A big port at the end of the river
allowed the inhabitants a flourishing trade. On the slope of the Tel a big building
was discovered. In this building red color was extracted from special snails. Big
pools with thousands of those snails shell remains were found. On the top of
the Tel there is a well, 1.2 meter in circumference and 22 meters deep. A tunnel
starts at the top stretching southwards.
Givat Yona (Jonas Hill)
its height of 53 meters allows a panoramic view above the Ashdod port, the
city and the industrial areas. We can see Palmachim Beach to the north and
even Ashkelon to the south. At the foot of the hill flows the Lachish River. On
the top of the hill stands a Makam (Holy Arab site) named 'A Nabi Yunes', the
Prophet Jonas in Arabic. According to tradition this is the Prophet's Tomb. On
the hill ruins of the Bronze, Iron, Ancient Persian, Hellenistic, Ancient Roman
and Ancient Arab Eras were found. Under the British Mandate there was a
military camp of the Naval Police to prevent illegal entry of sea vessels.
The hill is also called Yaffa after Yaffa Ben Ami, the wife of Oved Ben Ami who
was one of the founders of the new city of Ashdod. Ashdod Port Lighthouse is
near by.
Ad Halom Bridge
This bridge passes over the Lachish River at the southern entrance of Ashdo(
On its right a railroad crossing and next to it an observation tower (Peel Bo)
with a commemorative plaque of the 54th Givati Battalion. On May 29th, 194
the Egyptian Army on its way to Tel Aviv was stopped at this point. You ca
read a description of the battle on the commemorative plaque
The bridge was erected in the XIXth century by the Turks. It is built on thre,
pillars upon the ruins of a Roman bridge. The small concrete tower served a
an observation point and military post for the British.
West of the bridge, near the obelisk, lies the 'Wikers Position'. This position
that was built by the Egyptian Army at the end of May 1948 took the Israe
Armed Forces by surprise while attacking the Egyptians during the night between
June 2nd and 3rd 1948. To the south, stands an obelisk symbolizing peace
with Egypt. This monument honors the Egyptian soldiers who fought in this
area. The names of those Egyptian soldiers who died on the battlefield are
engraved on the monument.
The Lachish River
It is named Wadi Suchrir in Arabic. The river has its source in Mount Hebron and
it flows into the Mediterranean Sea in Ashdod between the Jonas Hill and the
Port. It is 70 kilometers long.
From the sea and over 2 kilometers in land, the river receives fresh water coming
from the coastal underground aquifer. On the river banks there is a characteristic
riverside flora such as giant eucalyptuses, flowers like narcissus and so on...
Moorhen, ducks and other winged creatures also live there.
We can find water turtles all along the river bank. On the southern part of the river
lies the Park Lachish Ashdod over a surface area of 720 dunam between the
southern bank (Ashdod entrance), the sea and the Bnei Brit Boulevard. In the
park there are summer facilities, benches, observation points, grassy spots and
docks for small boats.
"Mevo Ashdod" Reserve
The reserve is located close to the Ashdod junction north to the industrial area.
It is unique due to its white acacias. The white acacias create a savanna landscape,
such as an East African landscape. The surface area of the reserve is 870 dunam.
Between the big trees we see various kinds of flowers and bushes, especially the
Red Iris blooming in spring. Huge eucalyptuses, fig trees, pomegranates, almond
trees, strawberry bushes and acacias give a unique atmosphere to this reserve
allowing numerous small animals to inhabit this place. We also notice a great
number of Gazelles.
The high electric poles standing throughout the reserve are here to remind us
that we are not in Africa, but really on the Israeli cost.
Tel Ashdod
Tel Ashdod is south east of the city. The site was already known during the
Antiquity as an unforgettable place. During the Hellenistic period its name was
changed to Ezcotus but at the time of the Arab conquests it got back its original
name, Isdud. The city of Ashdod, capital of the Philistines, had a few hundred
dunam surface area and the upper quarters (Acropolis) more than 80 dunam.
The city was built on the top of more than 23 layers, the most ancient dating back
to the Bronze Era and the newest being Byzantine. Numerous remains were
found during the seven seasons of archaeological excavations.
The most famous pieces excavated are the Musicians and Ashdoda (the Statue
of a Goddess). Ashdod has been a metropolis for over 2000 years.
A few houses remained on the Tel, ruins of the Arab village of Isdud. In this
village, there were many mosques and a Khan (caravansary). Near the Khan,
stands the most important religious monument, the Sultan lbrahim El Matbouli
Mosque and the tomb of a Marabout.
Ashdod Sand Park
The coastal sands come from the Ethiopian mountains which are composed of
granite and Nubian stone. The coastal sands of Ashdod are spread over an area
of 15 kilometers -the longest strip in Israel-from the sea in the west, cultivated
lands in the east, Ashdod's neighborhoods in the north and the Evtach River in
the south. The sands are still a natural reserve which haven't been damaged by
modernization until today. This large strip of sands makes for a unique atmosphere
in the area. The sand dunes called 'Barchan' (meaning croissant in Arabic) are
caused by the movement of the sands. The Barchan is of a geometric asymmetry.
The highest point in Ashdod Sand Park is situated on the Large Sand Dune west
of the Ad Halom Bridge. This dune is as large as 300 meters and is more than
25 meters high. We have observed on satellite pictures, which have been taken
over a period of 36 years, that the dune moves from 2.5 to 3.9 meters a year.
The particularity of Ashdod Sand Park is mainly based on the variety of species
living there and on its geomorphology. Next to thin sand we can find hard rock
or cultivable ground where fruit trees once grew. The natural flora allows numerous
small animals to inhabit this place. West of the park we can admire big acacias
as old as the ancient Roman Via Mare.
Park HOLOT
The variety of the landscape is enriched by natural water pools coming from
nearby sand quarries. This water allows water plants to grow and flourish. Birds
can also happily inhabit the area. Ashdod sands are the meeting point of two
types of life; the Mediterranean and the Saharan one. In contrast to the northern
sandy areas where we can only find animals living under a highly humid climate,
in the Ashdod sands we can find animals used to a Saharan climate as well. The
Ashdod sands are the most northern place where it is possible to find gerbils, a
kind of sand rat with long hind legs. Reptiles species such as the grey lizard,
sand gamma, coined snake and animals such as jackals, foxes, sand hares and
gazelles which can be found abundatly in the Ashdod sands.
There are very rare wild trees which do not belong to the Mediterranean climatic
system such as the jujube tree, the white acacia and the Syrian aspen. In addition
we can find remains of Moassi culture such as dates, vineyards, prickly pears,
goyavas and so on... The concentration of the acacias in the reserve gives the
park a special atmosphere, which makes it unique in the country.
Ashdod Yam
The city of Ashdod Yam "Etzus Perilius", according to the historians was created
in the 4th century BCE as a trade center on the Mediterranean. Ashdod Yam,
situated in Tel Ashdod, was a harbor city and a stronghold following the Hellenistic
and Roman custom. On the map found in Madaba, we can see a city with a wharf,
a port and stairs leading to the inhabited areas. Among the houses a wonderful
pool with waterfalls. Along the merchant boulevard the houses had patios and
colonnades. In the surroundings numerous churches, mosaic remains and the
ruins of the stronghold, Ashdod Yam.
Kalat Al Mina (the port fortress) was built during the Ancient Arab Era (640-1099).
The rectangular fortress (60/40 meters) has four guard towers, one at each corner.
The towers were enclosed by a wall six to seven meters high. Two huge gates
in the wall gave access to the stronghold.
Lefts start our trip by the north entrance next to the Bnei Darom intersection,
at the end of the Tel Aviv-Ashdod Highway. On your left you can see the power
station. A path, going west leads us to the Mevo-Ashdod Nature Reserve. Park
your car and walk through the reserve. The best timing is winter or fall.
Go on your way towards the western entrance of Ashdod, pass the port
intersection, after the traffic lights and continue to the port entrance. Make a
left turn to the Laskov Way then immediately to Mevo Hassapanim Street to
the end. In front, you can see the entrance to the Ashdod Silo and, on the right,
a road sign indicating Tel Mor. There visitors can find some benches, tables
and a shady spot. Come back to the Laskov Way and make a left turn south,
towards the city.
Let's go over the Lachish River Bridge, on your right stands the O.R.T. Naval
School.
Park your car at the entrance of the school or in the parking lot on the other
side of the road and take the path that leads to Lachish Park. Promenade paths,
grass-covered spots, benches etc., bring many visitors to the park all through
the year. You can reach the sea by walking west or you can go east over a
wooden bridge and enjoy the marvelous and abundant flowers and animals.
Return to your car and drive on to the first traffic lights. Turn right on Jabotinsky
and an immediate right onto Yair street. At the end of the street you will see
Jonas Hill and next to it the Ashdod port lighthouse. Park your car and enjoy
the panoramic view over the Ashdod port and its surroundings. A path runs
around the water reservoir and leads to the ruins of a Makam (the tomb of a
marabout- a priest) at the top. From the Jonas Hill let's go back to the traffic
lights where we came from and then make a right turn on Harishonim Street.
Notice on your right, the last Californians (tin shanties), vestiges of the first
housing accommodations of the sixties. At the traffic lights turn right onto Shavei
Zion Street and then left on Rogosin, the main shopping street of Ashdod.Drive
down Rogosin to the next traffic light and turn right to the sea. This road leads
to the Lido Beach. On the seashore, along the promenade, you can find many
cafes and restaurants, some grassy areas and children's playgrounds. On
Wednesdays the parking lot is occupied by a very picturesque open air market.
During the summer you can climb up to the observatory point located at the
end of the beach. Go back to the south, towards Moshe Dayan Boulevard to the
first intersection, down, on the right at the traffic lights stands the Arcades Beach
(Hof Hakshatot). lts arched buildings gives a special effect to the shops,
restaurants and cafes. Here, you can enjoy all the comfort and facilities of the beach.
On Saturdays, hundreds of folk dancers meet on the main square for a few hours of
folklore music and dancing.
Let's go back to Moshe Dayan boulevard southwards. On the right you can see
the missiles' hill and just after it, in front of you, a roundabout. On the left stands
the Administrative Center with the auditorium Yad Lebanim, the City Hall, the
Municipal Library, the new Central Bus Station and so on ... and on the right is
the Marina.
Continuing south, we have to the right the Yud Alef Beach and the
local Country Club. Behind the Country Club we can find an arrowed path to the
Ashdod Yam Citadel By the end of the summer the evening primrose and daffodil
are blooming here. Let's go back to the Moshe Dayan Boulevard, make a left turn
and immediately to the right to the Itshak Rabin Avenue. On your left is the Tet
Vav quarter. It is recommended to enter through Har Hatsofim Street on the right.
In front of you stands a Mediterranean village. You may go straight to the roundabout
in order to visit this new neighborhood. In the Umot Haolam Street, on the highest
spot of the area, there is a fortified place from the Arab period which was a link
between the citadel of Ashdod Yam and Ramla, the Arab headquarters. It was
used to light big fires at night and send signals.
Let's leave this quarter and drive along the road linking Yud Alef to Tet Vav. On
the right there is a large stretch of sand, which is part of Ashdod Sand Park.
Continue eastward to the south entrance of the town. On your way you will see
a road sign indicating the Great Dune. Take the path to the Shikmim (acacias)
parking lot. There you will find a picnic site, tables, a playground and shady spots.
The large parking lot is the starting point of a circular two hour tour, that allows you
to discover all the secrets of the sand. It is a must to take drinking water before starting
the course. On your way you will discover large acacias, wild orchards, sand hills and the
Great Dune. For the lazy ones it is possible to reach the Great Dune by special vehicles
and slide down the sandhill slope. When you leave the path leading to the dune towards
the intersection, carefully cross the road straight to the Egyptian Monument and the
Ad Halom Bridge. Park yourcar next to the obelisk and take a look at it. On the north
you can see a monticule where the Wikers position was built by the Egyptians.
Go to the east through the orchards to the Ad Halom Bridge, observe in front of you
the key point Pillbox with all the bullet impacts. There is also a
commemorative wall of the battle and the interception of the Egyptian army on
its way to Tel Aviv. You should visit the White Acacias Park from the renewed
bridge to the east (see the explanation later on). To go back to Tel Ashdod
return to the southern entrance of the town and then in the direction of Ashkelon
till the Givati Junction. 3 kilometers further take the path on the right until you
get to a big fenced enclosure. Here are the ruins of the antique Ashdod and
the porch Yehudah Ben Nun went through while conquering the city.
Drive on to the Tel (hill). The ruins of the Phoenician capital are not numerous
but we can notice the remains witnessing an important Arab bourgade-lsdud.
We can see the mosque with its minaret and no far from it, a big building used
as a school. To the south, the tomb of a Marabout-Sheikh lbrahim.
On the way from Ashdod to Ashkelon, at the first exit on the right there is a
road sign showing the pool of the Nitsanim Beach and the Shikmim School
Field.
The White Acacias Park is situated at the east end of the city. One can get to
it through-the parking lot of the Egyptian Obelisk. In the park there are picnic
facilities, tables, benches, playgrounds. In spring, there are wild flowers such
as colorful poppies, tulips and so on... You should go up the hill and enjoy the
panorama of the east side of Ashdod. This is the last point on our tour. We can
leave the park through the west to the Palmach Avenue and on the right at the
traffic lights then once again on the right to the Bnei Brit Boulevard to the way
out of the city.
Ashdod Yaakobi Galery
