The time to visit Ramle, Arabic for Sand-City, is on Wednesdays. That is the day when Israel’s “Wandering Market” opens its stalls in a big empty lot In the Old City. It is the largest of the wandering markets of Israel, with hundreds of stalls selling everything from old saucepans to fashionable clothing. Israelis, from new immigrants to old-timers, fill the market, looking for a good buy
“Just stolen this morning from the Azrieli Mall” is the most popular vendors’ cry. The “Still hot from last night’s operation” hype is an attempt to give the market an upscale “thieves’ market” atmosphere. Most of the goods are not stolen, but may not be so legit. Some of the items are real finds. Good Israeli oriental and folk music discs – including Greek, Turkish, and Egyptian music – can be found at bargain prices.
Once you leave the wandering market, you will find yourself in the Old City market – 250 stores in the heart of the Old City of Ramle. The old mosque, turned into a cathedral by the Crusaders and back into a mosque by the Muslims, stands guard over one side of the market. The Ottoman public garden is on the other side. In between is a wonderful street with vegetable stands, food shops, crockery stores, general stores, and more