Arad Supermarket Branch to Convert to Haredi-Focused Chain

By נווית זומר

Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba

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Hebrew · 2 newsrooms covering

Shufersal is converting one of its supermarket branches in Arad into a "Yesh Chesed" store, catering to the city's growing Haredi population, which now comprises an estimated 30% of residents. The move follows the purchase of the city's main mall by businessmen from the Gur Hasidic dynasty, who aim to adapt it for Haredi needs. While Shufersal assures both branches will serve the public, some secular residents worry about changes in product variety and kashrut standards.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Shufersal will convert a branch in Arad's central mall to a Haredi-focused "Yesh Chesed" store.
Haredim, primarily from the Gur Hasidic dynasty, now make up an estimated 30% of Arad's population.
The mall was purchased by Gur Hasidic businessmen aiming to adapt it for the Haredi community.
Secular residents express concern over potential changes in product variety and kashrut standards.
Shufersal states both its "Deal" and "Yesh Chesed" branches will remain open to all the public.

The Shufersal supermarket chain is set to convert one of its branches in Arad's central mall into a "Yesh Chesed" branch, a chain specifically catering to the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community. This conversion is part of a broader trend of increasing Haredi presence in Arad, a city that was historically secular. The mall, the only one in the city, was purchased a year ago for NIS 40 million by two businessmen from the Gur Hasidic dynasty, Menachem Kayan and Simcha Grunbaum, with the stated intention of adapting it to the needs of the Haredi population.

In recent years, Arad has seen a significant influx of Haredim, particularly from the Gur Hasidic community, who have purchased hundreds of apartments in the city seeking affordable housing. It is estimated that Haredim now constitute about 30% of Arad's population, with Gur Hasidim making up around 20%. This demographic shift has led to friction with the long-term secular residents over changes in lifestyle and the allocation of public resources, including disputes over kindergartens, schools, and the conversion of public shelters into study halls.

Shufersal currently operates two branches in Arad. One will be transformed into a "Yesh Chesed" branch, featuring enhanced kashrut (dietary laws) supervision, while employees will reportedly retain their positions. The "Yesh Chesed" chain operates approximately 40 branches nationwide. Some secular residents have expressed concern that the "Yesh Chesed" branch's stricter kashrut standards and potentially higher prices for items like meat may not meet their needs or preferences, and that the variety of goods might be reduced.

Shufersal stated in response that it will operate two flagship branches in Arad, a "Deal" and a "Yesh Chesed," both of which will be open to the general public.

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