Acre's Old City Market Faces Collapse Amidst Economic Woes and Post-October 7th Tensions

Traders in Acre's Old City market are experiencing a severe downturn, characterized by a drastic drop in customers, staff reductions, and early closures. Merchants report that while shops are open and goods are ready, the number of visitors is insufficient to sustain their businesses. Friday traffic offers some relief, but it doesn't compensate for the very slow weekdays and weekends. One veteran merchant expressed a sentiment that Arab business owners in the city feel they are unfairly bearing the consequences of events unrelated to them, citing online comments from people vowing not to visit the Old City. "What do we have to do with October 7th?" he questioned, feeling that a boycott is being imposed on them. He linked the decline in visitors to lingering tensions since the May 2021 'Guardian of the Walls' riots and the October 7th massacre, adding to the daily struggle of waiting for customers who don't arrive. This prolonged crisis has led to staff cuts in family businesses, with some owners considering relocation or closure. The lack of customers has also shortened working hours, with some merchants closing as early as 3 p.m. due to boredom.

Beyond the lack of customers, traders are highlighting significant infrastructure and maintenance issues. They have detailed damaged sunshades, rainwater infiltration, faulty drainage systems, unpleasant odors, insufficient trash bins, and inadequate cleaning. "The market is crumbling," one trader stated, describing the summer heat under damaged awnings and water leaks in winter. They also pointed to parking problems, with spaces being occupied for extended periods by business owners and their belongings, criticizing a lack of enforcement by the municipality and the presence of unauthorized vehicles like motorcycles and electric bikes. "There is no governance in this city," one merchant lamented.

In a letter to the municipality, the traders are demanding immediate action, including infrastructure repairs, economic relief, and an emergency plan to attract visitors. Their proposals include a long-term strategy involving weekly night markets, food and cultural events, street performances, children's activities, and a national marketing campaign. They also suggest integrating the market into tourist routes and collaborating with hotels. The traders are requesting the establishment of a permanent steering committee and the presentation of an emergency plan within 30 days and a strategic plan within 60 days.

The Acre Municipality responded by stating that it views the market and the Old City as a central hub for commerce, tourism, and culture, and is continuously working to improve conditions and attract visitors. The municipality emphasized its investment in cleaning and maintenance, ongoing efforts by urban supervision and policing in cooperation with the police, and the availability of parking lots around the Old City. They also highlighted recent successful events like the Acre International Festival for Other Theater and the Arabesque Festival, which drew large crowds. The municipality acknowledged the traders' challenges and announced an upcoming meeting between Mayor Ohad Shegev and trader representatives to discuss solutions and further steps to strengthen the market.