Barkat: I succeeded in carrying out the mission of Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu zt"l

October 21, 2014   

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, the big winner of the election campaign, responded after the results were announced:

""I congratulate Rabbis Stern and Amar on their election to the high position of rabbi of the city of Jerusalem. Nine years ago, I set out on a mission at the request of Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu, zt"l, to ensure that Jerusalem, a city where two-thirds of the Jews are not Haredi, will have a Zionist chief rabbi, alongside Haredi rabbis who represent the entire population in a proper and fair manner.

Today, as the first year of this term ends, I am happy to announce that we have succeeded in this important mission, despite all the difficulties and attempts to thwart the process.

"I intend to work with the rabbis together, first and foremost, to deepen unity in Jerusalem and build bridges between the sectors of the city, to which the eyes of the whole world are directed. Rabbis Stern and Amar reflect in their personalities a way of bringing hearts closer, moderation, and openness towards all communities, and I am sure that they will continue on their path and their unifying leadership in their roles as rabbis of the city.".