The central Israeli coastline, with its golden sands and clear blue waters, resembles many other Mediterranean beach areas. However, if you look closely, there are some unusual sights—like black shark fins cutting through the waves.
During the colder months, sharks are drawn to Hadera’s waters thanks to the warmth generated by nearby power plant turbines.
This has led to an exhilarating yet hazardous coexistence between these bold marine predators and beachgoers who sometimes get a bit too close for comfort. Last month, a tragic incident occurred when a man ventured too near and lost his life, prompting screams from those around him.
Only his bones remained, as rescuers reported to AFP.
In the wake of this shocking event, bathers, officials, and shark specialists are now questioning how such an unprecedented occurrence could happen and how to prevent it moving forward.
“Sharks are not harmful unless they feel threatened, or if someone enters their territory,” Eileen Nurit Korn, a seasoned diver and member of the Zaka scuba unit, explained. She went on to say, “I’ve been diving since 1982 and have encountered many sharks. They’re thrilling and beautiful, but definitely not dangerous.” Korn, who helped search for the remains of Barak Zach, a 45-year-old father of four, noted that the area is home to sharks that often misbehave around people.
“Some individuals were obstructing them by trying to touch them,” she remarked, noting that coverage of the incident has drawn even more visitors to the beach.
“That’s dangerous.”
In response to the fatality, local authorities quickly erected metal barriers with “danger” signs and blocked access to nearby nature reserves. However, just two weeks later, those barriers were removed and things returned to normal on the beach.
Teenagers Einav and Carmel, who live nearby, seemed unfazed by the tragic events; they were there primarily to catch a glimpse of the sharks.
“I love sharks, so I really wanted to see them, but I reminded my friends that they can be dangerous,” Carmel said.
Matan Ben David, a spear fishing and diving instructor, expressed his intent to continue swimming, advising that people should keep their distance and follow ocean safety rules. “Sharks are part of nature, and we need to respect that. We are merely visitors here,” he emphasized.
“These animals are magnificent; they are apex predators, and it’s vital that we all adhere to best practices,” he added.
Like many unsupervised beaches in Israel, the site of the deadly attack was officially closed to swimmers.
Human and Nature Conflict
Lee Livin, a shark researcher who has monitored the area for four years, indicated that initial studies suggested sharks typically avoided conflict with humans in the water.
However, “there’s a very limited window when this human-animal conflict arises each year,” she pointed out.
Livin mentioned that the sharks in this region include a mix of smooth and sandbar species, present from November through May. Yet, as yearly temperatures climb due to climate change, more people are entering the water, resulting in increased interactions with sharks.
Livin expressed surprise at last month’s attack, noting it was unexpected despite the growing encounters between humans and sharks. “It’s often a matter of competition for resources—either food or space—that leads to these conflicts,” she said.
