Tel Aviv Residents Report Rise in Homelessness and Drug Use

Residents of Tel Aviv are expressing growing concern over an increase in homelessness and drug use in various city neighborhoods, including Montefiore, Jaffa's Noga quarter, and areas around Dizengoff Square and Rothschild Boulevard. Noa, a resident of the Montefiore neighborhood, shared her fear of taking her infant daughter out in the evenings due to the presence of homeless individuals and drug paraphernalia, including used syringes found in her building's garden. She described incidents of a homeless woman banging on doors and a man attempting to break into apartments, leading to a feeling of insecurity despite living in a guarded building. Noa feels the city is pushing families out, stating, "I have the feeling that I am constantly being made to understand that it is impossible to live with children in Tel Aviv. As if the city is driving us out."

In Jaffa's Noga quarter, Adi reported a significant deterioration over the past year, attributing part of the problem to a local homeless shelter that reportedly only operates at night, leaving its residents to occupy public spaces and building entrances during the day. She described unsanitary conditions, including public defecation, and a lack of safety, with drug use occurring openly. Adi criticized the municipality's response, stating that efforts to move homeless individuals only result in them being relocated to other areas, and that her appeals have been ignored. She also noted a disparity in resource allocation, feeling that Jaffa is not receiving adequate attention compared to more affluent areas.

Yuval Ben-Gal, a fitness studio owner in central Tel Aviv, has witnessed drug use and homeless individuals congregating in public spaces, including Dizengoff Square, which she described as a site for open drug injections. She also reported an incident involving a woman offering sexual services with a dog. Naama, who grew up in the area, noted a change, particularly after the recent war, with an increase in visible drug use at night.

The municipality stated that personal safety and criminal offenses are primarily the responsibility of the police, but that they are working to improve public spaces and provide assistance to both residents and the homeless. They highlighted the creation of a special unit for the homeless and an increase in referrals for involuntary psychiatric evaluations. The police, in turn, maintain that managing homelessness falls under municipal authority but affirmed their cooperation with the city and reported an increase in solved drug and property crime cases. Tel Aviv municipality data shows nearly 2,000 calls related to homelessness were received from January to October 2026, primarily concerning violence and the occupation of public spaces.