Ashdod Travelers guide

15 Opening Data Origin of the name The city is named after the ancient Philistine city "Ashdod" (which was also known as "Ashdod-Yam" a name given to it by the Assyrians) and is mentioned many times in the Bible. There are several interpretations of the name "Ashdod", the most common of which are "Stronghold," "Fort," and "Outpost". There were several versions of the name over the years - including "Euclid" by the Greeks, and "Isdud" by the Arabs who lived in a nearby village up until the establishment of the State of Israel - but it still maintained its original characteristics. Terrain 50.9 square kilometers (of which 1.8 square kilometers are sea shore areas). Number of residents About 250 Thousand. Economy The commercial and manufacturing industries in the city are highly developed, and rely, among other things, on the city's main economic anchor - the Port of Ashdod, which is also Israel's largest maritime commercial gateway. About 20 percent of the city's residents are employed in manufacturing, and a similar percentage are employed in commerce. Souvenirs A work of art from the beautiful gift shop in The Arie Klang House, beach toys for children at the Ashdod-Yam Market, which operates in the Lido Beach Plaza every Wednesday, and an array of souvenirs and representative items in the Information Center located at the entrance to City Hall. The pride of the city A unique sand dune, the largest in Israel; the only museum in the world dedicated to the Philistine history; the restored Lachish Stream; the ancient Ashdod-Yam Fort; the broad beachfront that is the cleanest and most beautiful in Israel; a versatile and impressive cuisine; and the diversified population which are considered the biggest immigrant absorbers in the country. Character Modern and traditional, religious and secular, peaceful and adventurous. Ashdod is a unique melting pot - a mosaic of people and cultures. Beauty Pristine beaches, wide and well tended boulevards, fascinating historical sites, green parks. Language Although Hebrew is the official language in the State of Israel, each city has words and expressions understandable only to its residents. Ashdod is no different, and has developed a language of its own, which includes expressions such as "Ya Chasra" ("What a shame", which is said in a nostalgic context), "Noder" ("I swear to you"), "Rabina" ("Depression", mainly at the beginning of a work week) and "Picho" (A local nickname for a child that does now know to stand his ground).