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Modern GeographyAshkelon

Modern-day Ashkelon is built on layer upon layer of past civilizations. A coastal city in the Southern District of Israel with an ancient seaport, it was the oldest and largest port city in the days of antiquity. Ashkelon was important as a trading post in Biblical times, and it is the site of the famous scene between Samson and Delilah, when Delilah cuts Samson's hair in order to deprive him of his strength (Judges 14). The Philistines conquered Ashkelon, and it became one of the five Philistine city-states (along with Gath, Gaza, Ekron and Ashdod); even during the Israelites' conquest of the land, the Philistines could not be uprooted from the city. Years of bitter war between the Philistines and the Israelites followed and King Saul himself was slain by the Philistines (II Samuel 1).

The reign of the Philistines finally ended during the time of the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, in the 7th century BCE. However, Ashkelon soon reinvented itself, experiencing a renaissance during the Greek and Roman period, and becoming an autonomous Jewish city under Hasmonean rule. Ashkelon was known as an important trade center and wine producer.

Ashkelon changed hands many times between Muslim and Christian rulers during the time of the Crusades. Its location between the Crusader States and Egypt made it a crucial city for the Crusaders' success; however, due to frequent raids by the Muslims, the area was often unstable. In 1270, the Mamluk ruler destroyed the last remains of the Crusader stronghold, and the city was abandoned for centuries.

The modern city of Ashkelon grew out of a 16th-century Arab town called al-Majdal, located about two miles from ancient Ashkelon, and known for its weaving industry. Egyptian forces occupied Ashkelon, as well as large parts of Gaza, during the 1948 War. Due to repeated Israeli air raids on the city, many of the residents fled to Gaza. By 1950, the vast majority of Arab residents had left, either fleeing on their own or expelled by the government. Immigrants and demobilized Israeli soldiers began moving in, and in 1953, the town adopted the name "Ashkelon." The city received an influx of immigrants, particularly from the Soviet Union, and today the population totals around 100,000. The archaeological finds at ancient Ashkelon have been turned into a national park.

Modern-day Ashkelon is a popular touring destination due to its beautiful beaches, and its economy is partly based on tourism and recreation. Factories and workshops, engaged in everything from baked goods to metalworking, are a significant part of Ashkelon's industry. It is the northern terminus for the Trans-Israel Pipeline, also known as the Eilat-Ashkelon Pipeline, which brings in petroleum products from Eilat. In 2005, one of the world's largest desalination plants opened in Ashkelon, treating 330,000 cubic meters of water per day.

Unfortunately, Ashkelon's proximity to the Gaza Strip—approximately six miles away—has meant living under a constant rocket barrage for its residents, and as Hamas' capacity and range increases, so do the strikes on Ashkelon. March of 2008 represented the first time Hamas was reliably able to hit Ashkelon, and the economy suffered as businesses closed and residents chose to live elsewhere. During December and January of 2008-2009, the rocket fire affecting residents of Ashkelon was one of the precipitating causes of Operation Cast Lead, when IDF forces attacked Hamas, destroying weapons-producing locations.

Ashkelon's neighbor city, Sderot, has been affected far worse. Sderot, less than a mile from Gaza, has been the victim of rocket attacks from Gaza for years. Families have fled the city, many unable even to sell their homes. Sderot was founded in1951, next to the Gevim-Dorot transit camp. The city absorbed large immigrant populations from Morocco, Kurdistan, and the former Soviet Union, which helped boost its numbers in the 1950's and again in the 1990's, and making it a highly multicultural city.

However, since the beginning of the Intifada in 2000, the residents of Sderot have been under nearly constant attack. Due its dense population, the rockets have been especially devastating, killing residents, including small children when a rocket hit a kindergarten. Businesses folded. Residents fled the city; in 2007, the entire city was temporarily evacuated due to an increase in the rocket fire. All over the country, residents are trained to respond to an alarm code. From the moment the alarm sounds, residents know, based on their location, how long they have to reach the safety of their shelter. Those living in Sderot, in "Code Red" territory, have fifteen seconds. During Operation Cast Lead, schools and businesses were closed for the entire three-week period, and even after the cease-fire, rockets continued to traumatize the city.

Sderot's economy has suffered greatly. One manufacturer, of high-end mattresses, had moved its production center to Sderot, but was forced to relocate due to the rocket attacks. Young people have a difficult time finding employment, and many, even those that wish to stay, leave for other cities. Associations and organizations have sprung up, both in Israel and abroad, in order to help the beleaguered city. One such organization is the Gvanim Association, started by residents of Sderot's urban kibbutz "Migvan." The association runs dozens of programs and activities in and near Sderot, dedicated to offering services and support for the struggling and traumatized residents.

Ashkelon, however, has fared better, and continues to bring crowds to its family-friendly beaches, residents to its new high-rises, and workers to its industrial zone.