Supermarket Chain Adapts to Ultra-Orthodox Community in Arad Amidst Tensions
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
Shufersal is converting one of its Arad supermarkets to an ultra-Orthodox format, sparking fears of higher prices and reduced selection among secular residents. The mall housing the store was recently purchased by Gur Hasidic businessmen aiming to cater to their community. This has led to conflicts over "modest" store aesthetics, with the Mayor of Arad warning of potential closure. Arad's demographics have shifted, with ultra-Orthodox residents now comprising about 30% of the population.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Shufersal is converting an Arad supermarket to an ultra-Orthodox format, raising concerns about price increases and reduced variety.
- The mall housing the store was bought by Gur Hasidic businessmen aiming to cater to their community.
- Mall owners faced accusations of demanding "modest" aesthetics and removing women's images from displays.
- Arad's Mayor warned of potential mall closure over alleged discrimination against women.
- Ultra-Orthodox residents, primarily Gur Hasidim, now make up about 30% of Arad's population.
Shufersal, a major Israeli supermarket chain, is converting one of its two "Deal" stores in Arad to an "Esh Hesed" format, catering to the ultra-Orthodox community. The affected branch is located in the city center's older mall, and its current staff will remain. This change, announced on Sunday, November 8, will introduce products with stricter kashrut (kosher) certifications. Local secular residents have expressed concerns that the new format will limit the available product range and increase prices, citing that meat with stricter kashrut certification is typically more expensive. Shufersal has stated that both the "Deal" and "Esh Hesed" stores will continue to operate in Arad and remain open to all customers. The "Esh Hesed" chain operates approximately 40 branches.
The supermarket format change follows the acquisition of the mall by new owners, businessmen Menachem Keine and Simcha Greenbaum, who are part of the Gur Hasidic movement. They purchased the mall in early 2026 for 40 million shekels with the stated intention of adapting its stores to the needs of the ultra-Orthodox population. This mall is the only one of its kind in Arad, which has another shopping complex.
Initial changes implemented by the new owners shortly after their acquisition sparked controversy. Store owners reported demands from the mall administration to remove images of women from displays and adopt a more "modest" aesthetic. Mannequins were reportedly re-dressed, and an electronics store owner decided to relocate after being informed that televisions were undesirable. Greenbaum denied ordering the removal of women's photos, attributing the changes to an effort to attract ultra-Orthodox shoppers.
The situation escalated when Arad Mayor Yair Maayan intervened. On February 16, 2026, he issued an official warning to the mall owners, deeming the actions an illegal exclusion of women from public spaces. The municipality demanded the reversal of these directives, the reinstatement of removed images, and clarification that discrimination would not be tolerated. Mayor Maayan warned that the municipality would take measures, including potentially closing the mall, if the violations persisted.
Arad, once a predominantly secular city, has seen significant demographic shifts in recent years due to the influx of Gur Hasidim. It is estimated that ultra-Orthodox residents now constitute about 30% of the city's population, with Gur followers making up approximately 20%. This movement, one of Israel's most influential Hasidic groups, has purchased hundreds of apartments in Arad to provide affordable housing for young families. Disputes over the allocation of resources for kindergartens and schools, and the conversion of public shelters into religious study spaces, have previously reached the courts.
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