For the third consecutive year, the city of Ashdod has set up a X-mas tree display along with additional holiday symbols at the entrance to the 'Big Fashion' shopping center.
The move is seen as an appeal to Ashdod's Russian-speaking population, numbering at about 25% of the local population.
This year, Ashdod's deputy mayor arrived at the opening ceremony accompanied by celebrities, who took pictures alongside the display.
The Shas Party's rep to the city, Avi Amsalem has voiced strong criticism of the event, saying it hurts the sensitivities of Ashdod's religious community.