The Miguniyot (public bomb shelters) that have become part of the Beit Shemesh streetscape are getting a new look.

As the city prepares to mark three years since the October 7 attack, the Beit Shemesh Municipality is giving the Miguniyot a colorful makeover, with new paint and graffiti artwork designed to make them a more welcoming part of the public space.

Over the past year and a half, more than 40 Miguniyot have been placed throughout Beit Shemesh, following the Municipality’s work with the Ministry of Defense. While the Miguniyot provide important protection, Mayor Shmuel Greenberg also wanted to address their appearance and how they fit into the city’s streets and neighborhoods.

The Municipality’s Community Department is currently leading the project. As part of the latest round of work, 30 additional Miguniyot are being painted and decorated. Once the project is completed, all of the Miguniyot in Beit Shemesh will be painted and decorated.

The artwork was created by artist Yael Bachar of Top Art Studio, which specializes in wall art and graffiti. The project is now in its final stages and is expected to be completed by the end of this week.

Mayor Shmuel Greenberg said: “We worked with the Ministry of Defense to add Miguniyot throughout the city, and more than 40 have been placed over the past year and a half. Along with the important need for protection, we also wanted to pay attention to how the Miguniyot fit into the streets. We decided to add color and bring art into these spaces as well.”

Moran Yitzchak, Director of the Municipality’s Community Department, said: “Unfortunately, the Miguniyot have become an inseparable part of the city’s landscape. Following the Mayor’s direction, it was important to us to brighten them up and turn them into something that brings life and energy to the public space. The warm response we have received from residents shows just how much color and art can lift the spirit in our neighborhoods.”

Photo: Yaakov Lederman

Beit Shemesh Municipality Spokesperson’s Office