The only shopping mall in Arad has recently been renamed 'RD' following its purchase by two Hasidic Gur members. This transition symbolizes a significant cultural shift in the area, moving away from secular imagery and music. Instead, the atmosphere now aligns more closely with Hasidic norms, causing concern among existing business owners who feel a palpable sense of oppression in their day-to-day operations.

Long-time business owners in the mall express their unease, citing an 'atmosphere of threat' that has emerged since the new management took over. The decision to exclude images of women from advertisements and prohibit secular music has led to tensions within the community. Critics argue these changes reflect broader socio-religious dynamics that are reshaping the identity of Arad, a city that has experienced significant demographic shifts in recent years.

The implications of this takeover extend beyond just the mall, as it highlights the ongoing struggles between secular and religious values in Israeli society. As the Hasidim consolidate their cultural influence in Arad, residents and business owners are left grappling with adapting to these irreversible changes, raising questions about cultural preservation and community identity in an increasingly polarized environment.