About Ashdod Foundation
The Ashdod Foundation was established in 1984 by Dr. Aryeh Azoulay during his tenure as the mayor of Ashdod, and currently serves as its chairman. The foundation, established as a public association, has set as its primary goal the mobilization of resources and means to promote projects in the areas of education, culture, welfare, and society in the city of Ashdod, by securing donations from external sources among organizations, institutions, and individuals both in Israel and worldwide.
Over the years, the foundation has assisted in establishing the Ashdod Museum named after Corinne Mamane, educational institutions, parks for children with special needs, and a Holocaust survivors’ retirement home with the support of the Weinberg Foundation. Additionally, since 1996, it has initiated the Ashdod Arts and Young Creators Prize. Since 2000, the foundation’s department has been granting scholarships to students who combine academic excellence with social and community involvement.
Furthermore, the foundation collaborates with the generous contribution of the Gas Foundation to provide scholarships to academics in low socio-economic sectors. It grants scholarships to outstanding residents of Ashdod studying at universities nationwide. The foundation also supports scholarships for exceptional musicians and promotes musical scholarships for children with special needs.
The foundation works in collaboration with funds and companies to advance core technological, scientific, and social issues, such as Adama Company, various federations worldwide, and has recently been involved in the absorption of numerous Ukrainian refugees in the city. The Ashdod Foundation aspires to continue its activities in the coming years to advance the community’s cultural, educational, and academic resilience in the city.
About the city of Ashdod
Ashdod is a city located on the southern coast of Israel. It is the sixth-largest city in Israel, with over 260,000 residents.
The city has a diverse population made up of various ethnic groups and religious backgrounds, creating a vibrant and multicultural atmosphere.
Established in 1956 by immigrants, the city reflects the diverse influences of both East and West, blending ancient cultures with modern life, and integrating immigrants from around the world. Located on the Mediterranean coast, Ashdod has become a hub for creativity and social innovation— a city for all— allowing its 99 communities to express themselves and promote originality and innovation while preserving traditions.
The social integration of all immigrants and communities in the city serves as the foundation for its continued development. Turning dreams into reality is the story of Ashdod, one of the few planned cities in Israel. The city is young, having been re-established 69 years ago, and has grown dramatically over the last two decades.
In the past decade, through technological innovation, competitiveness, and resilience, combined with its favorable geographic location, climate, and topographic structure, Ashdod has become one of the most important economic centers and a regional metropolitan hub. Ashdod is home to the largest port in Israel—Ashdod Port Ltd., Elta, the Adama plant, petrochemical industries, the Israel Electric Corporation, and more.
In addition to the existing port, a new private port called “South Port” has been operating since 2021. The new port terminal was designed to handle the largest container ships.
The South Port will be operated by TIL-Terminal Investments Ltd, which will undoubtedly contribute to the economic development of Ashdod as one of the most important and strategic regions in the Middle East.