ISRAELI CITY OF ASHKELON IS LOOKING FOR PARTNERS IN LITHUANIA
The city of Ashkelon, located 7 km from the Gaza strip, is highly interested in establishing contacts with Lithuania and finding a city-partner in our country. The Mayor of Ashkelon Beni Vaknin confirmed it during today's meeting with the Lithuanian Ambassador to Israel D. Degutis.
During his visit to Ashkelon city, Ambassador D. Degutis learned about the city's achievements in industry, culture, sports and education. Ashkelon is one of the youngest and most dynamic cities in Israel. Out of 130 thousand citizens of Ashkelon, even 26 thousand are younger than eighteen. In the city particular attention is paid to high-tech development, tourism and sports infrastructure is being expanded successfully. However, growth is complicated by continuous rocket firing from Gaza strip during the last nine years. During the November crisis in Gaza within 8 days 102 missiles were fired at Ashkelon.
People, especially children, are living in constant tension for many years. Therefore, the authorities of the city highly appreciate the interest of foreign countries in establishing relations with Ashkelon. According to the mayor, the partners of Lithuania would be particularly welcomed, since a large community of emigrants from Lithuania lives in Ashkelon.
Ambassador D. Degutis also visited the city's crisis management center, learned about the activities of the responsible civil security organizations in these extremely difficult conditions.
During his visit in Ashkelon, Ambassador D. Degutis also greeted the people of the city with Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.
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