Ashdod: The Dynamic Mediterranean Gateway

• Helloשָׁלוֹם
  [shalom]
• Goodbyeלְהִתְרַאוֹת
  [lehitra'ot]
• Yesכֵּן
  [ken]
• Noלֹא
  [lo]
• Please/You're welcomeבבקשה
  [bevakasha]
• Thank youתודה
  [toda]
• Excuse me/Sorryסְלִיחָה
  [selicha]
• How are you?אֵיך אתה?
  [eych atah?]
• Fine. And you?טוב. ואתה?
  [tov. ve'atah?]
• Do you speak English?האם אתה מדבר אנגלית?
  [ha'em atah medaber anglit?]
• I don't understandאני לא מבין
  [ani lo mevin]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseאני רוצה לראות את התפריט, בבקשה
  [ani rotse lir'ot et hata'arich, bevakasha]
• I don't eat meatאני לא אוכל בשר
  [ani lo ochel basar]
• Cheers!לחיים
  [lechayim]
• I would like to pay, pleaseאני רוצה לשלם, בבקשה
  [ani rotse lishalem, bevakasha]

• Help!עזרה!
  [ezra!]
• Go away!לך לך!
  [lech lech!]
• Call the Police!קרא למשטרה!
  [kara lamesh'tara!]
• Call a doctor!קרא לרופא!
  [kara larofe!]
• I'm lostאני אבוד
  [ani avud]
• I'm illאני חולה
  [ani choleh]

• I'd like to buy...אני רוצה לקנות...
  [ani rotse liknot...]
• I'm just lookingאני רק מסתכל
  [ani rak mestakel]
• How much is it?כמה עולה זה?
  [kama oleh ze?]
• That's too expensiveזה יקר מדי
  [ze yakar me'od]
• Can you lower the price?אתה יכול להוריד את המחיר?
  [atah yachol lehorid et hamachir?]

• What time is it?מה השעה?
  [ma hasha'a?]
• It's one o'clockזה שעה אחת
  [ze sha'aachat]
• Half past (10)חצי (עשר)
  [chatzi (eser)]
• Morningבוקר
  [boker]
• Afternoonצהריים
  [tzohorayim]
• Eveningערב
  [erev]
• Yesterdayאתמול
  [etmol]
• Todayהיום
  [hayom]
• Tomorrowמחר
  [machar]
• 1אחד
  [echad]
• 2שניים
  [shnayim]
• 3שלושה
  [shlosha]
• 4ארבעה
  [arba'a]
• 5חמישה
  [chamisha]
• 6שישה
  [shisha]
• 7שבעה
  [shiva]
• 8שמונה
  [shmoneh]
• 9תשעה
  [tisha]
• 10עשרה
  [eser]

• Where's a/the...?איפה יש...
  [eifo yesh...]
• What's the address?מה הכתובת?
  [ma hak'tovet?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?אתה יכול להראות לי (על המפה)?
  [atah yachol lehar'ot li (al hamapa)?]
• When's the next (bus)?מתי האוטובוס הבא?
  [matay ha'otobus haba?]
• A ticket (to ....)כרטיס (ל....)
  [kartis (le....)]

Ashdod's history stretches back to the Bronze Age, around the 17th century BCE. It was one of the five cities of the Philistine pentapolis. The city is frequently mentioned in biblical texts and was known for its massive fortifications, which were significant in the ancient world. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, and Ashdod played a central role in these historical narratives.

In the 8th century BCE, Ashdod fell to the Assyrian Empire under the reign of Tiglath-Pileser III. The city was incorporated into the Assyrian provincial system, and its culture and architecture began to reflect Assyrian influences. This period brought economic prosperity to Ashdod, as it became a key administrative center.

Following the conquests of Alexander the Great, Ashdod became part of the Hellenistic world. The city was known as Azotus during this period and saw a blend of Greek and local cultures. Later, under Roman rule, Ashdod continued to thrive, benefiting from the Pax Romana which facilitated trade and stability in the region.

During the Byzantine period, Ashdod was an important Christian center, with numerous churches and religious institutions. The city continued to be significant following the Islamic conquest in the 7th century CE. Ashdod, known as 'Isdud' in Arabic, was integrated into the Islamic caliphates, maintaining its role as a regional hub.

Ashdod witnessed a series of power struggles during the Crusader and Mamluk periods. The Crusaders established fortifications in the area, but the city changed hands multiple times. Ultimately, the Mamluks dismantled many of these structures to prevent them from being used by future invaders.

Under Ottoman rule from the 16th century until World War I, Ashdod was a modest village. It was part of the larger administrative region of Palestine. The Ottoman period saw limited development in Ashdod, but it remained a small, yet continuous settlement.

Modern Ashdod was founded in 1956, following the establishment of the State of Israel. The city rapidly developed as a major port and industrial center. Today, Ashdod is known for its vibrant cultural scene, diverse population, and significant economic contributions, making it one of Israel's largest cities.

Ashdod is located along the Mediterranean coast in Israel, approximately 40 kilometers south of Tel Aviv. The nearest international airport is Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. From the airport, you can take a train to Ashdod, which takes around 30 to 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus or a taxi. Direct bus routes from major cities like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are also available, making it convenient to reach Ashdod by road.

Ashdod offers various transportation options, including buses, taxis, and a train station linking to major cities. The city's public bus system is efficient and covers most areas. Taxis are readily available, and ride-sharing apps like Gett and Uber operate in the city. For those who prefer driving, car rental services are available, and the city's road network is well-maintained. Biking is also an option, with dedicated bike lanes in some parts of the city.

The official currency in Israel is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Ashdod, including in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful and accessible throughout the city. It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in areas where card payments might not be accepted.

Ashdod is generally considered a safe city for tourists. However, as with any urban area, it's important to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. The areas around the central bus station and the port can be less safe, so exercise caution and stay aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 100 for police, 101 for medical emergencies, and 102 for fire services. Ashdod has several hospitals and medical clinics. The Assuta Ashdod Medical Center is one of the main hospitals in the city. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Be mindful of the Sabbath (Friday evening to Saturday evening) when many businesses are closed. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. It's common to say 'Shalom' (peace) as a greeting. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Ashdod like a local, visit the local shuk (market) for fresh produce and authentic Israeli goods. Spend time at Ashdod's beautiful beaches like Lido Beach and Mei Ami Beach. Explore the Ashdod Yam Park, which offers a mix of archaeological sites and modern leisure facilities. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture.