Seaside Community Center Opens in Ashkelon
as Regional Hub for Healing and Support
The Anchor Seaside Center in Ashkelon has officially opened, marking a major milestone for the city and nearby communities along Israel’s southern coast. Located directly on the beach promenade, the center was created to support healing, connection and recovery following the events of October 7 and the ongoing impact of war.
Originally planned as a local center for Ashkelon residents, the project grew over the past year to meet rising needs. Today, the Anchor Seaside Center serves as a regional hub, welcoming not only people from Ashkelon but also residents from neighboring communities across the Gaza Envelope.
“This center is more than a building,” said Jason Horowitz, assistant vice president of Israel and global initiatives at The Associated during the recent dedication. “It’s the result of the decades-long partnership between The Associated, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and the Ashkelon Municipality.”
The Anchor Seaside Center offers a wide range of programs designed to help people recover and reconnect in a welcoming, non-clinical setting. These include recreational, educational and therapeutic activities, as well as community programs that bring people together in everyday ways.
Sigal Ariely, The Associated’s Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership coordinator, explained that the center was designed to make support feel natural and accessible. “This center is going to give opportunities for people to heal and get better and stronger through different programs, involving water and through the calm environment you feel when you go to the beach and just sit and breathe.”
Programs at the center include surfing, yoga and pilates, along with activities led by trained professionals working with different groups. The center also plans to offer employment opportunities through a beach-shop initiative, helping residents coping with PTSD regain routine and purpose.
The Anchor Seaside Center focuses especially on populations affected by the war, including youth, families, reservists, injured soldiers and others who may not seek help through traditional mental health services. By combining the calming setting of the sea with professional support, the center aims to reach people who might otherwise go without care.
The project was made possible thanks to the generosity of many partners and donors. Special thanks to Debs and Joe Weinberg for their meaningful support of this seaside community center and their commitment to the people of Ashkelon. As its doors open, the Anchor Seaside Center looks to harness the therapeutic power of the sea and provide healing, connection and hope for years to come.
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