How often do you get to dig into into the lives of people who lived in your city, thousands of years ago? The Israel Antiquities Authority is offering an invitation to tour and do some digging at the Ir HaYayin Archeology dig in Ashkelon on July 26, 2021, between the hours of 4:00 pm [...]
The Founding of Modern Ashkelon by David Zwebner Reviewed by Stephen Epstein Photos are courtesy of the Government Press Office. Four months ago, our family moved to Ashkelon and soon afterward, was gifted a copy of The Founding of Modern Ashkelon by David Zwebner. The book opened up the little-known history of the city and [...]
November 5, 1948 is the anniversary of the capture of al-Majdal in the War of Independence. Background In 1948 Egypt sent around 10,000 troops under the command of Major General Ahmad Ali al-Mwawi to Palestine in April 1948. Mwawi had separated his forces into two parts, one to march towards Jerusalem, the other to [...]
The Afridar Center is actually located at the edge of Afridar, but forms a business and shopping center for all those living in Afridar and the surrounding neighborhoods. Situated at the top of the Desha HaGadol, the area has restaurants, shops, banks and other retail outlets. The center of the Afridar Center is the Zephania [...]
The Grand Mosque of al Majdal is located on Herzl Street in the Migdal area of Ashkelon. Today, it houses the Ashkelon Khan Musem. The mosque was built in three phases: two early phases from the Mamluk period and the latest phase was built in the Ottoman period. In the 19th century, V. Guérin travelled through [...]
Ashkelon, which was destroyed by the Mamluks in 1270 was eventually reoccupied in the late 15th century by local inhabitants under the Ottomans. The Arabs called it al-Majdal. In 1948, after Israel won the War of Independence, new areas were gained and some were lost. Historic Ashkelon was an area that was captured. The Jewish [...]
NOTE: This article is undergoing changes. There is very little material available on Ashkelon’s role in the Astir and the Marsis. The accounts that are available sometimes contradict each other. This post will be updated as I find more information. At the entrance to the Marina stands a sculpture by Dov Heller to commemorate the [...]
Located in the historic Migdal area, the Ashkelon Khan Museum is inside the 13th century mosque. The museum is small and the exhibits appear to have been built a while ago. There is also a gallery at the entrance to the museum's main display. Hours: Sunday to Thursday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Phone: [...]
In addition to the sabil at the "main" entrance to city, another sabil is located in the heart of the city. This very impressive structure is located just outside of the Ashkelon Academic College on Eli Cohen Street near the intersection of Yitzhak Ben Zvi. The sabil was dedicated in 2004. Avi Cohen, senior lecturer [...]
At the north east corner of Eli Cohen and Yitzhak Rabin is a large field, partially overgrown with weeds, with the remains of a stone building in the corner. If it were not for the blue historical sign standing on the corner, you would likely walk by the field without paying any attention to the [...]
