Kinneret Tourism Collapses After Rare Amoeba Case, Businesses Face Crisis

Beaches along the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret) remained largely empty during the Sukkot holiday, a stark contrast to previous years, following a rare and severe amoeba infection case. Local business owners are warning of an economic crisis, with some stating the situation is worse than during wartime.

The chairman of the Kinneret Cities Association, Boaz Na'ava, has urged the government to take action. He has held discussions with the directors-general of the Health and Finance Ministries, with a follow-up meeting planned after the holiday to assess the damage and explore aid options for affected businesses. "They asked to receive data to see the damage and its significance, and from there we will continue to discuss and see how to help these businesses," Na'ava stated.

Na'ava also called for clearer public guidance from the Health Ministry regarding swimming in the Kinneret. "I told the director-general of the Health Ministry: You cannot leave the situation as it is. If you think the Kinneret should be closed, then say so. If not, you need to provide the most precise explanation, what can be done in the Kinneret and what cannot," he said. Alongside financial aid, a campaign to restore public confidence is being considered.

Ashar Audiz, owner of "Tiberias Ha'Ktana," a family restaurant operating for 50 years, described the severe economic impact. The current crisis follows the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent war, with the amoeba incident devastating holiday expectations. "The beaches are empty, the city is empty. People prepared for the season and lost, and will lose tens of thousands of shekels," Audiz explained. His restaurant has already reduced staff and operating hours, with the family now funding the business from personal savings.

Despite the public's fear, no official order has been issued to close the Kinneret for swimming. Tiberias is attempting to attract visitors with local events, such as a recent beer festival, but these efforts have not significantly revived tourism at the Kinneret's shores. Business owners are looking beyond the holiday, hoping for government intervention to address the ongoing economic fallout.