Ultra-Orthodox Communities Expand Beyond Kiryat Sanz in Netanya

While Netanya is often perceived as a secular tourist city known for its beaches and modern towers, a diverse and growing ultra-Orthodox population has established itself in various neighborhoods over the years. Beyond the well-known Kiryat Sanz, which was founded in 1955 and serves as a global center for the Sanz Hasidic dynasty, other areas are becoming increasingly populated by Haredi families.

Due to limited housing availability within Kiryat Sanz itself, families from the Sanz Hasidic community have begun purchasing apartments in adjacent streets, effectively expanding the Haredi presence beyond the original neighborhood. This expansion is notable, with dozens of apartments reportedly acquired by these families.

Meanwhile, the Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox community in Netanya is concentrated in the city center, particularly around Avraham Shapira, Yehuda Halevi, and Leivontin streets. This area hosts approximately 100 Lithuanian Haredi families and features essential community institutions like synagogues, kindergartens, Talmud Torahs, and Kollels. Real estate prices in this central area are high, with a four-room apartment costing over 2 million shekels.

Another area seeing an influx of Haredi families, including those of Kollel members, is Ramat Efraim. This neighborhood, characterized by private homes and villas, offers a quieter lifestyle and higher prices, with villas costing around 3.5 million shekels. While not a purpose-built Haredi neighborhood, it attracts families seeking quality of life and proximity to Haredi educational institutions.

The article notes that these three areas, Kiryat Sanz, the Lithuanian center in the city, and Ramat Efraim, represent distinct Haredi enclaves within Netanya. The author, a real estate consultant, indicates that the Haredi presence in the city will be further explored in subsequent articles, with a focus on the coastal area next.