Municipal elections

For local government to be able to truly represent all residents and understand the diversity of their different needs, it is important that there be appropriate representation of men and women alike

After several failed attempts by the Arabs of the eastern part of Jerusalem to integrate into municipal politics, attorney Walid Abu Tayeh thinks the time has finally come.

Asking Mayor Moshe Lion the tough questions – on the eve of the 56th Jerusalem Day and five months before elections.

A fairly clear picture emerges that Jerusalem’s residents are no longer willing to accept dictates from the authorities. And as a significant part of this, they are concerned about preserving nature.

At this stage, most of the attention is directed at the city council, where the most important decisions regarding the life of the city and its residents are made.

A weekly round-up of city affairs.

It is increasingly likely that more women will be involved in politics in Jerusalem. There are obstacles, but there is still a chance.

When Hitorerut head Ofer Berkovitch resigned last November, Adir Schwartz became the leader of the list on the city council.

Sources at Safra Square say that this issue will probably become one of the most important issues in the upcoming elections campaign, if not the most important.

Waleed Abu Tayeh, 68, is currently in the process of forming a list to contest the municipal election, which has been boycotted in the past by Arabs.