Shufersal Converts Arad Supermarket Branch to Serve Haredi Community
Shufersal is converting a major supermarket branch in Arad into a Yesh Hased store to serve the growing ultra-Orthodox population, sparking concerns among secular residents.
The city of Arad is undergoing a profound demographic shift as Shufersal, Israel's largest supermarket chain, converts its Shufersal Deal branch in the city's sole traditional shopping mall into a 'Yesh Hased' branch tailored for the ultra-Orthodox community.
The mall was acquired a year ago by businessmen Menachem Kain and Simcha Greenboim, members of the Gur Hasidic sect, who purchased the property from Ashtrom and local owners for 40 million NIS with the explicit intention of adapting it to the needs of the Haredi public.
Over recent years, Arad has seen a steady influx of Gur Hasidim, who now comprise an estimated 20 percent of the city's total population, while the broader ultra-Orthodox community accounts for roughly 30 percent. The sect targeted Arad to secure affordable housing for young couples, purchasing hundreds of apartments.
This rapid transformation has sparked friction with the secular local population over changes to the city's character. Disputes have even reached the courts, centering on the allocation of municipal kindergartens and schools, as well as the conversion of public bomb shelters into study halls.
Shufersal operates two branches in Arad, one of which will now feature strict Haredi kosher certifications under the Yesh Hased banner, while current staff members will retain their positions. Secular residents have expressed concern that the conversion will limit product variety and raise prices, noting that stricter kosher meat carries a higher cost.
In response to the developments, Shufersal stated that the company will continue to operate two flagship branches in the city—Shufersal Deal and Yesh Hased—both designed to serve all segments of the public.
