Rockets, shmockets: War-scarred Ashkelon celebrates Hanukkah in style

The Ashkelon pedestrian mall did not allow the years of rocket fire and war to prevent them from celebrating the Hannukeif, the biggest Hanukkah festival in town, along the pedestrian mall.

The shows included not only Israeli children's celebrities but also food stands, many a jelly donut, and a range of activities for the whole family. The festival also included cultural activities, fun workshops, and communal events for celebrating Hanukkah.

The celebratory message of the city stands in stark contrast to the residents' experience during much of the previous year, when the cities of Ashkelon and Ashdod, both fairly close to the border, often had to run for shelter at a moment's notice due to Hamas rocket fire, which has since been significantly reduced thanks to IDF operations.