Acre's Historic Market Faces Ruin Amidst Boycott Fears and Neglect
Translated & summarized from Mignews by baba
Traders in Acre's historic market are facing ruin due to a severe decline in customers, exacerbated by the pandemic, 2021 riots, and the current war. Merchants feel deliberately avoided and cite municipal neglect, including poor infrastructure and parking issues, as contributing factors. They demand an urgent support plan and long-term strategy from the city, while authorities claim ongoing investments and successful events. A meeting is planned to address the crisis.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Acre's historic market traders face ruin due to a severe customer decline and feeling of boycott.
- The market's crisis stems from the pandemic, 2021 riots, and the ongoing war since October 7, 2023.
- Traders cite municipal neglect, including poor infrastructure and parking, as worsening the economic situation.
- Merchants demand an urgent support plan and long-term recovery strategy from the Acre municipality.
- The municipality claims ongoing investments and highlights successful cultural events in Acre.
- A meeting between the mayor and market representatives is scheduled to discuss solutions.
Traders in the Old City of Acre, a major Israeli tourist hub, are facing severe financial hardship, with many stores on the brink of closure. Merchants report a drastic decline in customers, insufficient revenue to cover expenses, and a feeling of being deliberately avoided. "It's as if we are being boycotted. What do we have to do with October 7? What are we guilty of?" one entrepreneur lamented, highlighting the disconnect between their situation and recent national events.
The market's crisis is attributed to a combination of factors over several years, including the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on tourism, riots in May 2021 that damaged the city's reputation, and the ongoing war since October 7, 2023. The 2021 riots were particularly damaging, with businesses and tourist sites like the "Uri Buri" restaurant and the "Efendi" hotel attacked. Avi Har-Even, former head of the Israeli Space Agency, died from injuries sustained during a fire at the Efendi hotel during those riots.
Traders emphasize that Acre's market relies heavily on tourists drawn to its historical atmosphere, local cuisine, and port. The absence of these visitors impacts all businesses, from souvenir shops to restaurants, leading to reduced family incomes. Some shops are closing as early as 3 p.m. due to a lack of customers, forcing vendors to discard unsold perishable goods, even on typically busy Saturdays.
Beyond the war's effects, merchants also point to neglect by city authorities. They cite issues with damaged awnings, poor drainage causing unpleasant odors, inadequate public order control, and insufficient parking. These deficiencies, they argue, deter visitors and prevent repeat visits, undermining the market's appeal.
In response, traders have demanded an urgent 30-day plan from the municipality to support businesses and a 60-day strategy for long-term recovery. Their proposals include freezing or reducing municipal taxes, a national advertising campaign, and organizing night markets and cultural events. The municipality, however, disputes claims of inaction, stating it invests in cleaning, infrastructure, and order maintenance, and highlights successful events like the Acre Theater Festival and the "Arabesque" festival.
Despite the city's efforts to attract visitors for specific events, the daily commercial life of the historic center is suffering. The municipality has agreed to a meeting between Mayor Ovad Segev and market representatives to discuss practical solutions, but differing perspectives on the situation and necessary actions persist.
