Jerusalem's New Man At The Top

by Justin Cohen - Thursday 13th November 2008


Change was in the air in Jerusalem on Wednesday after secular candidate Nir Barkat won the highest profile and mostly hotly contested mayoral race in Israel.

Barkat, a successful businessman who made much of his money producing
anti-virus software, beat off a tough challenge from ultra-Orthodox
candidate Meir Porush, who had been aiming to continue the charedi control
of the city which had begun with Uri Lupolianski, the previous incumbent.
In his victory speech, Barkat promised to support all sections of the
cosmopolitan Israeli capital, which many secular Jerusalemites had felt was
becoming overly influenced by the growing ultra-Orthodox population.

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"There is room in Jerusalem for everyone," he said, "if there's not room for
everyone, then there's no room for anyone."

Expressing his intentions to ensure inclusiveness, Barkat added: "I'm aware
of the depth of the challenge and the complexity of the mission. Now is the
time to work together for the good of the city."

The 49-year-old won just over 52 percent of the vote, with Porush garnering
around 43 percent and Betar Jerusalem owner Arkadi Gaydamak just 3.5
percent.

Elections were held in 159 cities, towns and local councils all over Israel
on Tuesday, with total voter turnout at a little over 42 percent.
In Tel Aviv, Mayor Ron Huldai held on to his position for another five
years, by securing 50.7 percent of the vote compared with Hadash MK Dov
Henin's 34.2 percent.

"The residents of Tel Aviv have made their choice," said the 64-year-old
Huldai, who got his surname from the Kibbutz of Hulda in central Israel
where he grew up. "Democracy is our strong point. As I've said many times, I
know Tel Aviv and its residents well. I'll continue to serve them, driven by
my devotion to the city's development."

The overall picture across Israel was in direct contrast to the situation in
Tel Aviv, with dramatic change occurring in a number of major cities
including Ashdod and Rishon Lezion.

Tvi Tzilker had been mayor of Ashdod for the last 33 years but was ousted by
challenger Yehiel Lasri. And in Rishon Meir Nitzan lost his position as
mayor which he had held since 1983 after Dov Tzur picked up 52.3 percent of
the vote and Nitzan 47.7 percent.

In Be'ersheva Ya'akov Terner lost to his former deputy Rubik Danilovich with
Danilovich winning double the percentage of votes than his former boss.
The city of Netanya, however, bucked the trend, with more than 80 percent of
voters throwing their support behind the current mayor, Miriam Feierberg.

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