31.03.26

Ashdod Residents,

Following the latest situational assessment, below are the summary and guidelines:

We woke up this morning to a difficult day, with the report of four soldiers who fell in Lebanon. We embrace their families, share in their grief, and wish a full recovery to the wounded.

At the same time, we continue to experience heavy and ongoing fire – launches in both the south and the north, as well as impacts in central Israel with casualties. The coordinated and combined attacks by Iran and Hezbollah make it more challenging for all of us to cope with the large number of alerts and missiles simultaneously. The importance of strictly following safety instructions and protection guidelines cannot be overstated.

There is no change in the current defense policy, and no change is expected until Saturday night. During the Passover Seder as well, full alertness must be maintained, and the nearest protected space should be identified in advance. Vigilance is also required at chametz-burning sites and especially in shopping centers, which are considered a primary vulnerability during these days. Inspections conducted this week will continue in the coming days to ensure all facilities are properly prepared and operating as required.

We are on the eve of the Passover holiday, with all its sensitivities and significance. Thank God, so far there have been no impacts in Ashdod, but we must not become complacent. Our collective vigilance is more important than ever, especially on the night of the Seder. The city is prepared, calm, and ready for any scenario. It is essential that you cooperate to strengthen our municipal resilience.

At this point, it is important to commend all the teams working tirelessly to prepare the city for the holiday. So far, 4,800 tons of waste have been cleared – approximately 600 tons more than last year – all under a complex and ongoing emergency situation.

As we approach the holiday, please remember: wherever you go – at home, visiting family, in a synagogue, at a shopping center, or on the road – first identify the nearest protected space and the required response time. If you are hosting or visiting, ensure the protected space is sufficient for everyone, accessible, available, and equipped with basic necessities for short stays.

Before leaving home, make sure all family members – especially children – know how to act during an alert. It is recommended to leave early to avoid traffic and prolonged time on the roads. Install or update the Home Front Command app and set relevant alert areas according to your holiday location.

During travel, plan in advance where you can safely stop and enter a protected structure in case of a siren. If an alert is received while driving – stop safely, enter a nearby building; if none is available, move away from the vehicle, lie on the ground, and protect your head. Do not stop under bridges.

In synagogues and public venues, adhere strictly to the guidelines: do not enter a place if you do not know where the protected area is, and follow the instructions of security and staff immediately in case of an alert.

The distribution of recreational kits to residential buildings with protected spaces is ongoing. These comprehensive kits include board games, creative materials, and sports equipment, designed for toddlers, children, teenagers, and adults alike. The goal is to foster community, connection, and routine within shelters. So far, after 48 consecutive hours of work, approximately 1,500 kits have been distributed out of 5,500 eligible buildings. Distribution began with buildings housing 10 or more children and will continue throughout the intermediate days of the holiday, with the aim of reaching as many as possible before the holiday begins.

Ashdod is strong, responsible, and united. Together, with vigilance and discipline, we will get through these days safely.

Wishing you a kosher and happy Passover,

Yours,
Dr. Yehiel Lasry
Mayor of Ashdod