Marking National Clean-Up Day\u2014established by Israel\u2019s Cleanliness Law to promote care for open and public spaces\u2014the ministry released data highlighting communities that are taking cleanliness seriously. From Jerusalem to Jisr az-Zarqa, municipalities large and small are showing real progress.<\/p>\n
A Cleaner Israel, One Town at a Time Communities Stepping Up A New National Vision for Cleanliness
\n<\/strong>Israel\u2019s Ministry of Environmental Protection developed a national cleanliness index to track litter in public spaces and help local leaders implement effective change. Since the index launched, dozens of municipalities have introduced public awareness campaigns and infrastructure improvements aimed at curbing littering and fostering civic responsibility.
\nMinister of Environmental Protection Idit Silman noted that littering costs the Israeli economy an estimated 6.5 to 8 billion shekels annually\u2014but the public response is moving in the right direction.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>According to follow-up surveys, these 63 communities achieved an average improvement of 8% in overall cleanliness. Among those leading the way:
\nJerusalem, Be\u2019er Sheva, Har Hevron, Kiryat Arba, Baqa al-Gharbiyye, and Jisr az-Zarqa\u2014a mix of well-established cities and smaller towns, many with strong community networks, rich histories, and growing infrastructures.
\nThe total volume of litter collected across these areas dropped from approximately 300,000 tons to 240,000 tons following the implementation of their local programs.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>\u201cLitter is not our fate,\u201d said Minister Silman. \u201cKeeping our public spaces clean is a shared responsibility. On Clean-Up Day 2025, we\u2019re launching a new path\u2014one that will help turn Israel into a cleaner, more livable country.\u201d
\nFor families, retirees, and young professionals considering a move to Israel, these improvements signal more than just cleaner streets\u2014they reflect communities invested in their future.<\/p>\n