Ashdod Travelers guide

35 During that year construction commenced on the port of Ashdod, and the railway tracks leading to the town were laid. Two years later, many industrial plants were established, among which were refineries, and the 'Eshkol Bet (B)' power station was inaugurated. The Ashdod port became operational in 1965, as one of the only ports in the world at the time built in the open sea. From that moment onward the city began its accelerated development as it became a major port city in Israel, as well as Israel's main maritime-commercial gateway. On February 14th 1968, Ashdod officially became a city, and the city's territory increasedwith the transfer of the remainder of the land allocated in the concession - 6,000 dunams - from the Hevel Yavne regional council . In October of that year, the first municipal elections were held, and Avner Garin was elected Mayor, serving in office until the election of Zvi Zilker , in 1969. During the 1970's the city continued to expand and the waves of immigration rapidly made it into a fast-developing industrial city that was attractive for the younger population, A little history Laying the cornerstone for the port. Photo: Shimon Fuchs, courtesy of the Port of Ashdod archive