Flavors, Memories, and Community Spirit at the Netivot Friday Market

The vegetable patties prepared by Shoshana sizzle in deep oil, surprising with their perfectly round shapes despite being hand-rolled. She is an expert in couscous, which, alongside the familiar toppings, is served with her signature patties and a rich, delicate chicken-breast stew featuring broad beans, raisins, and aromatic spices.

Reaching this culinary haven in the heart of the Netivot market first requires navigating the challenge of parking. The surrounding area is densely packed. Drivers circle the narrow streets for minutes, waiting for a spot to open up or seeking alternatives in the adjacent alleys. Yet the alluring aromas easily conquer the exhaust fumes, pulling visitors in from dozens of meters away toward the vibrant canopy of stalls.

Aromas and Flavors of the Market

The market is entirely open, organized into three rows of collapsible sheds. The air is thick with competing scents: grilled meat over hot coals at one entrance, Balkan and Central Asian delicacies from another, and fresh seafood sizzling nearby. At the northern end, the fragrance shifts to soothing aloe vera creams and botanical gels, where shoppers test lotions and laugh with vendors.

Small and long tables are set right next to the stalls, inviting patrons to enjoy their meals on the spot. "It is fresh, hot, tasty, and the atmosphere is wonderful," explains a local resident over a plate of grilled meats. Victoria, who also sells prepared foods originating from Caucasian and Bukharan traditions, offers specialties like manti, samsa, and chebureki.

Community and Memory at the Stalls

Every Friday, the market draws at least 2,000 visitors. Long queues form outside popular spots like the Yauwaradi restaurant, while diners gather in small political parliaments around tables of hummus and pastries. Shoshana, who recently returned to the market following a period of mourning for her late husband, runs her couscous stall as a social hub where patrons discuss local and national politics.

"We serve food with love and tradition, bringing people together around the table every single week," Shoshana shares.

Among the newer additions to the market is a local craft beer stand established in memory of IDF hero Staff Sergeant Tomer Nagar, who fell in battle during the October 7 attacks. Run by his friends Bornstein and Shaham, the stand features taps crafted from heavy machine gun shells, honoring Nagar's service in the Golani Brigade. Proceeds from the beer sales are donated entirely to at-risk youth charities, fulfilling Nagar's dream of combining his love for craft brewing with community impact.