The mayor of Ashdod, Dr. Yechiel Lasry, unveiled his election campaign and work plan until 2025 with the participation of hundreds of residents of the city on Monday evening.
Referring to challenger Shimon Katznelson, who he claimed "to have built his campaign on intimidation against the local haredi-religious community and attacked what he called haredization', Lasry said, "We are witnessing an attack of intimidation, incitement and fanning of fire and hatred ... I seek to calm down: Ashdod's character will not change, the city's character will not change, I intend to maintain the status quo among all our population groups in the city. Ashdod is a diverse city, demographically, socially and culturally. We will maintain mutual respect, we will all live together. Leadership that is frightening, inciting and dividing only to pick seats - is dangerous to the future of the city."