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Winner Vows To Be Mayor For 'All Of Jerusalem's Residents'

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 13, 2008

JERUSALEM - Residents of Jerusalem chose a secular businessman to lead one of the world's most revered and complicated cities, putting an end to five years of ultra-Orthodox Jewish control, election results showed Wednesday.

At the end of a divisive campaign, Nir Barkat, a former paratroops officer, promised to be a mayor for "all of Jerusalem's residents," including the city's large ultra-Orthodox and Arab populations.

"I stand here and express my thanks for the great honor I have been given to serve as the mayor of Jerusalem, the capital of Israel and the heart of the Jewish people," the 49-year-old Barkat told jubilant supporters at a predawn victory celebration.

Final results showed that 52 percent of the city's voters supported Barkat. His opponent, veteran ultra-Orthodox politician Meir Porush, received 43 percent.

The Associated Press

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