Diapers on the floor and stray dogs: The market promised as a culinary gem is collapsing

The municipal market in Afula was once presented as one of the prominent centers for leisure, commerce, and culinary arts in the city. The municipality invested in its promotion, cultural events were held there, and it was marketed as an attraction for residents and visitors. Even today, it still appears on the municipality's website as a city attraction. However, a visit to the market presents a completely different picture.

On Friday, which is supposed to be one of the busiest trading days of the week, a large amount of waste, cardboard boxes, bags, food packaging, and used diapers thrown in various corners were seen in the complex. A significant portion of the shops were closed, and the public restrooms remained locked. Business owners are furious and claim that this is not an unusual picture, but the daily reality at the place.

Yossi (a pseudonym), a long-time business owner who has been working there for several decades, finds it difficult to hide his frustration: "This is one of the places with the greatest potential in Afula and in the north, but in recent years the market has simply become a horror. There is dog feces and filth everywhere. They come once every few weeks to clean, but after a day everything returns. The restrooms have been closed for about a year. Elderly people, families with children, and customers are looking for where to relieve themselves, and I have to send them to the Maccabi HMO or the mall. It is not normal that there are no active public restrooms in a municipal market."

A market worker added: "If I need to relieve myself, I have to walk to the central bus station or the mall—at least a seven-minute walk. Customers simply don't believe there are no restrooms. It is disrespectful to us and to them." Other workers claim that the neglect attracts suspicious individuals and drug users, making it scary to be there even during the day.

Doron, the owner of an office in the market complex, says the situation is directly affecting businesses: "My employee decided to leave because of the conditions here. The restrooms have been closed for months due to vandalism, but that cannot be the answer for the whole market. The municipality says it is not their responsibility, but from the residents' point of view, it is the heart of the city. Businesses here are on the verge of collapse. I feel this is intentional neglect to turn the place into a real estate gem."

Other merchants, who asked to remain anonymous, fear harassment but confirm: "We just want the market to be clean and orderly. It could be one of the most beautiful places in the city."

The Afula Municipality stated: "The old market complex is a complex of shops in private ownership. A few years ago, private entrepreneurs approached the municipality to help revive the place, which was a hub for negative activity. After the project's success, the business owners began to operate the complex independently. Today, following a hit to income due to the war and security situation, some owners are demanding that the municipality take over cleaning. We have clarified that this is private property under their responsibility, but we have promised to increase enforcement against those who litter, both business owners and visitors."