Ashdod Travelers guide

Ashdod | Sightseeing 132 Ami Boulevard. Notice the victory monument in the heart of the square, which is dedicated to the memory of World War II veterans, and marks the day of victory over Nazi Germany. It is advised to park your car on the side of the road slightly before the square at the end of Oved Ben-Ami Boulevard, and continue to it on foot. The large square in front of you is Altalena Square, named after the ship Altalena, the sinking of which, shortly after the establishment of the state, was etched as one of the most dramatic (and perhaps even traumatic) events in the history of Israel. Beyond the square you can see the beautiful desert scenery dotted with high dunes. This is the southeastern boundary of the city, and the beginning of the Sand Park, which without a doubt is one of the most impressive nature sites in the southern region. Although it is not a trip to the Sahara Desert, climbing the dunes at sunset can provide quite a successful preparation for such a trip. More about: The Altalena Affair The ship "Altalena" (Jabotinsky's literary name), set out from France at the beginning of June 1948, with about 940 immigrants and many weapons and medical supplies on board, which the Etzel Organization was bringing into Israel to aid during the war. However, since a short while earlier an agreement was signed with the organization's commander, Menachem Begin, for Etzel to disarm and delivering its weapons to the Israeli Defense Forces, the interim Israeli government ordered that all of the weapons be delivered into its possession. After the organization members tried to unload the weapons from the ship anyway, they were given an ultimatum to send the ship back to sea. On June 21st, the ship arrived at the Kfar Vitkin beach, but the Etzel command rejected the ultimatum. Following an exchange of fire that began shortly after that, the ship continued sailing south, to the Tel Aviv shore, where it ran aground. With a renewed exchange of fire, TIP Please note: Even if it seems as if your vehicle may be able to manage driving in the sands, it is advisable not to push your luck and be tempted by the tire tracks left there by field vehicles.