The full closure of the separate beach in Kiryat Sanz in Netanya has led to growing tension between city officials and members of the chareidi community, following a cliff collapse that damaged the stairway leading down to the beach and the recent tragedy in which the Spiegel brothers z”l lost their lives. While the municipality presents the move as a necessary safety step, critics argue it does not truly address the ongoing danger.

According to senior chareidi sources, the closure is not being effectively enforced. “The beach may be closed officially, but in reality people are still going in,” one said. “On Fridays, hundreds come there, without a lifeguard, without supervision, and it’s a recipe for the next tragedy. They need to open access from another direction, from Blue Bay, and do it in a safe way.”

The criticism extends beyond enforcement to the slow pace of repairs. Community representatives say that despite the time that has passed since the collapse, meaningful rehabilitation work has yet to begin. “The clock is ticking. It’s unclear what they are waiting for,” they said. “If there is danger, it must be handled quickly. The current situation is the worst of all.”

City officials insist the beach was closed out of responsibility for public safety. However, no clear timetable has been released for when work will begin or when the beach may reopen, increasing frustration and uncertainty among regular visitors.

Netanya Mayor Avi Salama said in response: “The public that needs a separate beach must receive a solution already for the coming summer season. From my perspective, this is not just a matter of a promise but of responsibility. There are diverse communities in the city with different needs, and it is our obligation to allow everyone to enjoy the beach in a respectful, organized, and safe manner. I have instructed the professional teams to prepare accordingly so that the solution will be both quick and appropriate for the long term.”

He added: “At the same time, it is important to say honestly that there is a need and dependence here on approvals and budgets from the Interior Ministry. We are working in cooperation with the Director General of the Interior Ministry, Israel Uzan, and with the support of Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, in order to advance the issue under the leadership of the Shas faction, Deputy Mayor Rabbi Oren Gabai and council member Rabbi Dov Shtamer. The more productive the cooperation, the faster we will bring a solution. This week we held a professional working meeting with all relevant parties, with the goal of advancing solutions already for the coming summer — both strengthening the cliff and arranging the stairs and access to the beach. During the meeting, several immediate solutions were raised that would allow a safe and convenient reopening of the beach to the public already this summer, alongside examining broader long-term plans that will ensure stability, safety, and proper development of the site for the coming years.

In addition, several creative and interesting proposals were raised during the meeting for activities and special additions to the beach ahead of the bein hazmanim period in the month of Av. We will continue to act, with Hashem’s help, with determination and responsibility, to bring real solutions for the benefit of the public. It should be remembered that the beach is currently closed and there is a danger of the cliff collapsing; we will update as soon as we have a solution.”

{Matzav.com}