Head of the Carmel Beach Council, Asif Isaac: "I wish us all a boring year"

(Haipo) – The head of the Carmel Beach Council, Asif Isaac, reviews in a comprehensive interview the complex year that the council and its residents have gone through - a year of fighting, the loss of fighters, accompanying families and the wounded, and alongside all this continued development and construction momentum. Isaac describes how the council, which consists of 27 communities and almost 40 residents, maintains a routine and promotes significant economic and tourism projects.

A year of loss and family support

The past year was a particularly difficult one for the Carmel Beach Council. The council lost two fighters, Nir Ben-Ari and Noam Hamburger, both graduates of the Kfar Galim school, who fell within a month of each other. In addition, other residents were injured during the fighting.

The head of the council emphasized that the most important task was to surround the families of the fallen, the reservists and the wounded, and accompany them throughout the entire journey. The Carmelus Youth Center led the accompaniment of the families of the reservists, and according to Isaac, when an event took place, hundreds of families and spouses came to it, a fact that clarified the depth of the need. The council is working to create a holistic envelope for all the injured and their families.

Six post-trauma treatment centers

After three complex years of fighting, in which many fighters returned from combat and are dealing with post-trauma, six treatment centers have been established in the council's territory, each of which offers a different treatment method. Some of the centers are recognized by the Ministry of Defense and some are not. The council even held a large conference on the subject, and is working to create standards that will include a specialized social worker who will see the full picture of the fighter, the impact on their children, their spouses, and their parents. Isaac defined this as "an important official statement" and added: "This is the minimum we can do to give back to the fighters who returned differently from the battles."

Development and infrastructure projects that are maturing

According to the head of the council, the fruits being harvested today are the result of seeds sown in the first term, as planning processes take at least four years. Among the prominent projects: the Meirav Center, the community center that after 60 years is awaiting approval and will include a country club, a day center for the elderly, and tennis courts. A new generation home, a post-traumatic care center, and a preparatory school are planned for the Aaronson Farm, and next year, there is hope to establish a visitors' center and a farmers' market. Significant development is also taking place in the communities themselves in Caesarea, Atlit, and the coastal communities as part of long-term strategic thinking.

Tourism and hotels as an economic engine

The highlight of the economic plan is the construction of six hotels on the council's territory, two of which have already begun construction, and four more are expected to join in the future. Alongside the hotels, the council is developing two employment zones, one in Atlit and one shared with Zichron Yaakov, Jisr al-Zarqa and Paradise. Isaac explained that these are the council's most significant economic engines in the coming years, which will bring employment to the entire area, profitable property taxes and places to relax, and will allow the quality of life of the residents to be maintained.

Thriving agriculture and preserving open spaces

Agriculture in the Carmel Coast is thriving, with almost 200 dunams cultivated, with agricultural partnerships throughout the country. Isaac emphasized that agriculture relies on two main elements: water and workers. About 85% of agriculture in the region is based on reclaimed water that is treated by the local water association, and not on water from sources. In addition, some of the settlements are adding income through renewable energy and agro-voltaic facilities. The head of the council clarified that although the rural settlements are expected to grow by about 30%, they will develop within their blue line and not at the expense of agricultural areas, with the understanding that this is about the food security of the State of Israel.

Managing 27 communities and maintaining equal opportunities

The council manages 27 communities with diverse needs, under a complex management that includes agricultural associations and local committees. Isaac emphasized that his role is to ensure that every child and every citizen has an equal opportunity to succeed. As an example, he cited the village of Ein Hod, where the council, together with the state, invested significant sums in planning, development and implementation. The council holds staff meetings throughout the year in each of the communities, studies the needs and invests resources accordingly. Educational, welfare and cultural services are provided to all residents, with the council working to balance and ensure that no community is left behind.

Atlit and the aspiration for independence

Regarding Atlit, which has been part of the Hof Carmel Council for over 20 years, Isaac noted that the council has invested over 600 million shekels in the settlement from Atlit's funds and the council's funds over the years. A geographical committee is currently operating to examine the issue, and the head of the council expressed hope that the recommendations will allow Atlit to become independent and economically strong. However, he noted that this is a settlement of about 12,500 residents, and without an independent education department and engineering department, this is a difficult and complex process. He emphasized that Atlit is one of the most sought-after settlements in the northern region, and people come to live there from all over the country.

Financial coping and appeal to the High Court

The council is facing budget cuts from the state, especially on the issue of beaches. Isaac said that the council has appealed to the High Court of Justice, claiming that the state did not act lawfully regarding the funds to which the council is entitled in the area of ​​beaches, and that the court will rule on the matter. At the same time, the council is creatively seeking additional sources of income and is trying to streamline internal processes without cutting services, in order to maintain the quality of life of the residents. Isaac added that despite the complexity, so far the council has managed to maintain a budget balance.

New Year's Wishes: "A Boring Year"

In his New Year's greetings, Council Chairman Asif Izak wished residents a simple and unexpected "boring year." According to him, over the past six and a half years, since the Corona, there has not been a single normal, ordinary year. Children in schools have gone through extremely difficult times, closed skies, long reserve days, and continuous fighting. "I want it to be a year where you can fly and the skies are not closed, where you don't have to do another 100 reserve days, a normal, boring year," Izak said, adding: "Think about what the children have been through in these six and a half years."