Gaydamak's tent city construction begins in Tel Aviv

After the Jerusalem Municipality nixed billionaire Arcadi Gaydamak 'tent city' plans, it is beginning to take shape at the Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv.

David Nitzani, the producer of the project, who also built Gaydamak's tent city in Nitzanim during the Second Lebanon War, told Ynet that they had learned some lessons from their experience with the first tent city following criticism they received from people who stayed at the city and the general public.

"It took us a couple of days to understand that the families needed their privacy. Here, we are building a separate room for each family so that they feel comfortable," he said.

Nitzani, who also produced Gaydamak's 'surprise party' for Independence Day, said that in addition to the sleeping quarters, the city's residents will also have toilets, shower facilities, children's activity centers and performances by various artists that Gaydamak plans to invite. He also said that the family room will be built differently than thet rooms for youth.

Leaving Sderot (Photo: AFP)

Sderot Mayor Eli Moyal said Wednesday that his office would not prepare a list of residents wanting to leave the rocket-battered city for Gaydamak's 'tent city'.

"We call on all the citizens to stay here, but we also respect those who chose to leave," Moyal said.

'Check in' begins on Thursday

The first of the 1,000 expected residents are planned to arrive Thursday evening.

"There is no time limit. The tent city will stay as long as it is needed. If there is demand for more rooms, we will take over hotels in Tel Aviv so that any Sderot resident who wants to leave the city will be able to," Nitzani said. 

The Tel Aviv Municipality has said that Gaydamak's people received all the approvals to begin construction, including approvals from the fire department and the health ministry.

Amnon Meranda and Avi Cohen contributed to the report