Not leaving the throne: meet the oldest mayors in Israel - voila! native

The elections for the local authorities will be held in October 2023. After all, there have been no elections in Israel for a long time, this time, the residents of the cities in Israel will go to choose who will be the mayor of the city for the next five years.

In Israel, the mayor is elected in direct elections and another ballot for the council members.

An interesting phenomenon in the municipal sector are the mayors who have been in their positions for decades.

The Israeli record is registered in the name of the former mayor of Ramat Gan , the

, who held the position for 44 years. After him

, the mayor of Ma'alot-Tarshiha, who lost the elections after 42 years in office.

, the mayor of Kfar Yona, finished his post after 41 years and is waiting for the hearing of the prosecutor's office before filing an indictment for offenses in the field of chastity.

The list of 'the former', who sat on the mayor's chair and did not leave even after two decades is long, some were forced to give up their position following a criminal investigation, others retired or were removed in the elections by young and fresh forces.

Nahariya Mayor

from Karmiel, retired after nearly 30 years in power,

Shabu Manes Ziona announced his retirement after 25 years.

in Rishon Lezion also ended his public office after 25 years,

, head of the Gezer council, was removed after 25 years to the promising council head

.

mayor of Yavne, passed away at the age of 83 after serving the last 24 years as mayor.

The oldest mayors in Israel (photo: official website, photos: public relations)

One of the prominent critics calling for term limits, Ofir Paz Pins, head of the Institute for Local Government at Tel Aviv University - "For many years I have supported term limits for heads of authorities.

A mayor in his city is more powerful than the prime minister in his country.

To increase political stability and governance, the Knesset enacted, for the local government, a democracy with different rules, compared to the central government, elections every 5 years.

in a direct vote for the head of an authority.

All of these created very powerful heads of authorities, almost irreplaceable in elections.

The big change took place with the creation of the media revolution and social networks.

The networks allowed alternative candidates to gain broad public support, without needing relatively large resources.

The result was that in the last elections in 2018 - about 50 percent!!!

The heads of the authorities have changed!

I estimate that this will also be the result in the upcoming elections at the end of the year.

That's why the phenomenon of veteran heads of authorities serving for four, five or six terms will be extremely rare, if at all."

On the other hand, the mayors claim that they are directly elected every five years and win the trust of the public.

In addition to the lack of governmental stability in the reality where there has been no government in Israel for several years, the stability brought by veteran mayors is the lifeline of the cities in Israel.

Others claim that planning processes in Israel can take up to 15 years, therefore the accumulated experience of the incumbent mayors is the key to the success and prosperity of the cities.

Walla!

Local in a national project with the oldest mayors in Israel, what they like, what they are proud of, what they think about term limits and the dangers of public corruption.

The oldest mayors in Israel:

, the mayor of Nativot, has been in power for 34 years,

, the head of the mythical Omer council for the past 33 years, is expected to announce his retirement.

, the mayor of Yokneam Illit, also announced his retirement after 7 consecutive terms

.

On the list of 'young people' are -

, mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo, 25 years,

from Kiryat Motzkin and

from Holon, only 30 years as mayor,

from Netanya, has been in power for 24 years.

Ron Huldai - Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo (photo: official website, photo: Guy Yehiali)

He was elected mayor in 1998 and since 25 years he has been defined as the prime minister of Tel Aviv.

Contender in the 2023 elections

"We are in a period of dramatic changes, in which we are marching Tel Aviv-Jaffa towards the future. We have made a giant leap forward in terms of traffic throughout the city: the light rail, bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, improvements to public transportation, widening sidewalks and promoting walkability.

Following this, we upgraded the entire public space to a western standard that is on par with the leading cities in the world.

Unfortunately, in those years the central government was clearly unstable and did not give us long-term plans that we could work with.

We were able to do all these things thanks to careful management work that helped us become a financially sound city that charges little from the resident and gives a lot, and for that I am very proud."

"A revolution. From an abandoned city to a sought-after city, from a bankrupt city to an economically strong city. During my tenure, Tel Aviv-Jaffa became the Startup City of the Startup Nation. We completely renovated all the cultural institutions, became a popular tourist destination and won countless titles around the world."

"In my opinion, there is no need for a term limit for mayors. If such a proposal is nevertheless implemented, I suggest not to limit it to at least 15 years. Managing a city is something that takes time to learn. I think that a term limit is a mechanism that is more suitable for the position of the prime minister, who mainly concentrates enormous power in his hands through primary legislation in the Knesset".

Can a long tenure of the head of an authority lead the municipal system to cases of public corruption?

"Most of the mayors who were convicted of corruption were accused of acts committed at the beginning of their career, in their first term. It is precisely for these cases that the elected political echelon must be supported by strong, factual and high-quality legal advice. When this is not the case, that is exactly where corruption begins. Unfortunately, the weakening of legal advice in the country as part of the reform The government has stated that it may increase corruption at all levels."

"Definitely".

Fini Badash - head of the Omar Council (photo: official website, photo: public relations)

The settlement of Omer is near Beer Sheva, in 1990 Badash was elected the head of the council and since then for 7 terms in a row he is considered the 'Sheriff of the South'.

These days, sums up 33 years, and is considering whether to run in the 2023 elections.

In the last term I worked with full vigor just like in the first term, but with much more experience.

At the beginning of my journey, I prepared a plan for the next 20 years which was fully implemented and included: the expansion of the settlement, the establishment of a high-tech park for Omer's economic resilience, the construction of a preschool education system from the age of nine months until the end of high school, the establishment of an independent purification institute, the expansion of Omer's jurisdiction , construction of three sports halls, construction of an amphitheater, construction of a cultural center, construction of a security envelope for the settlement, construction of a lake with restaurants and cafes and a golf tender with a hotel and an event garden that is now in progress.

Against, there is no substitute for experience, the residents should be allowed to decide who will be the head of their authority.

Can a long tenure of the head of an authority lead the municipal system to cases of public corruption?

No!!!

Corruption depends on the character of the person, a corrupt person will steal even in the first term.

"I haven't made a decision yet"

Haim Tzuri - Mayor of Kiryat Bialik (photo: official website, photo: public relations)

Elected in 1993 and serves continuously until today (30 years).

These days, he is awaiting the decision of the prosecutor's office on whether an indictment will be filed against him for the crimes of accepting bribes, breach of trust, receiving something fraudulently under aggravating circumstances.

Announced that he is running in the 2023 elections

Kiryat Motzkin is undergoing a tremendous development boom.

This year we opened three new middle schools in one complex.

Over the years I have established about 50 kindergartens and day care centers, three elementary schools, and this year we are building another elementary school.

In the coming year, we are going to inaugurate the Foodtrack Promenade on Ben Gurion Blvd., which will include trucks selling fast food, establish a skatepark complex for children and youth, inaugurate a huge park that will cover dozens of dunams, build another elementary school and a fourth division.

Another hand is tilted.

In action, promoting the city and fulfilling my dream of putting Kiryat Motzkin on the national map and turning Motzkin into the pearl of the north to which people will flock from all over the country.

Therefore, already at the beginning of my term, I built the zoo, the amphitheatre, and the theater.

Over the years the city has grown drastically and we are working to develop the new neighborhoods and renew the old neighborhoods.

Also, the availability to the residents is a candle to my feet and any resident of Motzkin who wants to talk to me, can make an appointment with me easily.

I didn't come up with the slogan "every resident counts" for nothing.

The public and only the public will choose who will lead the city.

Can a long tenure of the head of an authority lead the municipal system to cases of public corruption?

There is no connection between corruption and length of tenure.

Those who are corrupt will be able to do so even in their first year in office.

Yes.

to face - and win.

Miriam Fierberg-Icher - Mayor of Netanya (photo: official website, photo: public relations)

Elected in 1999, serves five terms.

Considered one of the youngest of the oldest mayors, only 24 years in office, and brings with her a lot of experience and extraordinary humanity.

Running in the 2023 elections

Happily, in the last term, I am reaping the fruits of the efforts of the past years.

We are laying infrastructure for more new neighborhoods after the new neighborhoods that were built in Kiryat Hasharon, in the city of Yamim and in the lakes have become a magnet for the residents of Netanya and the surrounding area and enjoy a reputation at the national level as well.

We are also promoting a new residential and hotel complex.

After many years of planning, we promote extensive procedures of urban renewal and place new infrastructures wherever this is required.

Promenades, bridges, public gardens and also green lungs, established and maintained for the benefit of the resident's quality of life.

For the well-being of the residents, we have expanded the services that the welfare and social security director provides to the resident.

We are setting out to build an arena, two football fields, school sports halls, a swimming pool and other sports facilities.

Our education system is also making gains, in light of the municipality's investments in the matter and the Ministry of Education, and we haven't said the last word yet....

The term of office of a mayor should not be limited.

The mayor, unlike the prime minister, is elected in personal elections.

The public is the one who decides whether the mayor should be replaced or not.

It is well known that any construction project or mega project such as a new neighborhood requires long-term planning and execution.

Municipal work requires an understanding of the city's needs, raising and budgeting goals and striving towards them, while balancing budgets and using government budgets.

You cannot give up on a mayor who comes to a settlement with a vision, dreams dreams and fulfills them one by one.

Definitely yes.

I do not intend to stop Netanya's development momentum and the expansion of the basket of services for the resident.

How do we say here?

Netanya's melody cannot be stopped...

Moti Sasson - Mayor of Holon (photo: official website, photo: public relations)

Elected in 1993 as mayor and serving for the 30th year (6 terms).

Contender in the 2023 elections

"The curtain is short from circling 30 years of activity. I am particularly proud of the fact that I succeeded in turning Holon into Israel's children's city thanks to a vision and the investment of enormous resources in the establishment of unique cultural and educational institutions of their kind in the country and in cultural and educational events for the children. This is a long and multi-year process that was carried out persistently and professionally. At the same time, I Great emphasis on the development of the industrial area which produced results and hundreds of thousands of meters of modern office buildings were built there, which are inhabited by the leading companies in Israel.

I am happy that I was able to bring about the construction of the Holon Mizrah interchange, which was so important for regulating the entrance to and exit from the industrial area and the city from the east.

New and modern neighborhoods were built in the city and led to an increase in the population in general and the number of children in particular."

A challenging and not easy term for three reasons: the corona virus, the instability in the central government and the large transportation projects, especially the light rail works.

Despite this, during this term, I was able to start the works to build a bridge for the north exit from the Holon Mizrah interchange, to hold a variety of recreational, cultural and artistic events in the city, with a municipal subsidy.

To build new schools and kindergartens, to establish a groundbreaking technological educational center and to bring Holon students to high achievements and a significant increase in eligibility for a matriculation certificate at the same time as preventing dropouts from the education system.

Another important issue is the regulation of urban renewal in the city - the largest urban renewal plan approved so far in Israel, promoted by the municipality of Holon and approved by the planning committees in Israel. It includes the old residential areas in Holon which make up 40% of its area and may add up to 30 thousand housing units throughout the city at the same time as improving the quality of life, the well-being and safety of the residents and increasing the public space that will be available to them.

If it is decided to limit the number of terms for mayors, I will support it only if this decision applies to all elected officials: starting with the prime minister, for to the ministers of the government and up to the members of the Knesset. I personally believe that the number of terms for the mayors should not be limited and that the decision should be left to the public. If they are satisfied - they will vote again, if they are not satisfied - they will vote for another candidate. It is important to remember that the mayors are up for direct and personal election every 5 years.

Can a long tenure of the head of an authority lead the municipal system to cases of public corruption?

There is a great advantage to experience and a deep understanding of the municipal system and its processes, and this can only be obtained from a veteran.

The issue of corruption is personal and it is related to the character of the person and education from home and not to the number of changes in office.

Yes, there are other things that I wish to promote and complete for the city and its residents and I have the strength and desire to do so.

Holon is the city where I was born and grew up and I never left it.

I love Holon very much and she is dear to my heart.

Simon Alfasi - Mayor of Yakneam Illit (photo: official website, photo: public relations)

Elected to the position in 1989 and sitting on the mayor's chair for 34 years, he led to the development of the city as one of the leaders in Israel in the field of high-tech and technology, retiring from his position this year.

"With great satisfaction and great pleasure. It was a very fruitful term in which we continued to lead the city to many and significant achievements. During the term we built, and we continue to build, the leading green neighborhood 'Shaar HaGai', we established and nurtured educational, cultural and sports institutions, we led projects worth hundreds of millions of NIS, We took care of the renovation and upgrading of the neighborhoods in the city, we established parks, we are expanding the high-tech park by about 140 thousand square meters, we reached a peak in eligibility for matriculation with 96.2% eligibility and 4th place among the cities of Israel, our girls and boys excel year after year in recruiting for the IDF and its officers and for quality service.

"Wow with great satisfaction and with great pride. 34 years of great and continuous work. About three and a half decades of life's work for the settlement and its residents. My work was extensive, difficult and full of challenges. I received Yakneam in 1989 when it was still a council as a development town with about 5000 residents, a settlement in crisis Economically difficult with about 35% unemployment, negative immigration of 19%, hundreds of empty apartments and above all the despair that reigned. A settlement that studies have determined should be closed or merged with other authorities. With a deficit of about 500 million NIS. Despite the most difficult opening figures, we built Here is a city to be proud of. Yakneam has been one of the most advanced and developing cities in the country for years. The number of residents increased by about 600% to about 28 thousand. Yakneam today is one of the most attractive and leading cities in the country.

Today, Yakneam is a high-tech powerhouse. The city is ranked 296 In the ranking of leading technological ecosystems, high-tech parks include about 150 companies and startups with annual exports of about 10 billion dollars with over 9,000 employees and service providers.

"A mayor is elected by his residents once every five years, and only they will determine who will lead and who will manage them. If they want to continue with the incumbent head of the authority, they will vote for him again, if not, they will vote for others. As someone who serves seven terms and decided to retire on his initiative at the end of the term, I am against limiting A term of mayors because I know what the advantages are in governmental stability and continuous action. If they decide on a limitation then it is mandatory to allow no less than three terms and an option to be elected in the fourth with a majority of 70-75%."

Can a long tenure of the head of an authority lead the municipal system to cases of public corruption?

"Corruption is not a function of a number of terms of office. Public corruption can be in any term, including the first. I know many mayors who have served and are serving for many years and they did not have any corruption. I will give some advice on the matter: the position of mayor is a mission. Anyone who loves money and wants to do money, which will go to other channels."

"No. At the end of the term and after 7 consecutive terms of working around the clock I chose to retire.

Eli Berda - Mayor of Migdal Hamek (photo: official website, photo: public relations)

Elected mayor in 1998, finishing his fifth term in the northern city.

He has not yet officially announced his candidacy in the 2023 elections.

A successful term during which we won more than 12 prestigious awards, breaking the matriculation eligibility record and continuing the momentum of development and construction as part of a "roof agreement" to build 6,000 units, despite 5 election campaigns over 4 years plus a "picantry" of stagnation in the period between elections/transitional governments , non-approval of the state budget and the "Corona" epidemic.

The Authority conducts itself in a professional and responsible manner as befits an Authority that is in the "Organizational Excellence" and "The Mirror" programs, ending the sixth year in a row with a balanced budget.

The administrative and professional strength of the authority, its residents and the findings of the Central Bureau of Statistics were expressed in the increase of the social economic index from cluster 4 to cluster 5 and recognition of the authority as a "stable authority"

What do you think about term limits for mayors?

I support the idea of ​​limiting the term of office of the mayors and on the condition that the terms of office of the prime minister, ministers, Knesset members, deputy mayors and members of the city council will also be limited accordingly, especially in light of the fact that mayors are elected by direct election (two ballots) and all others are not by direct election.

Can a long tenure of the head of an authority lead the municipal system to cases of public corruption?

This question is true for all the officials mentioned who are not directly elected.

"time will tell..."

Bnei Kashriel - Mayor of Maale Adumim (photo: official website, photo: public relations)

In 1992 he was elected to the position of mayor, holding the position ever since - for 31 years.

The last term was particularly challenging, with the spread of the corona virus and with four Knesset elections.

We faced the challenges successfully, we received many praises for managing the corona crisis in Ma'ale Adumim and we continued to work and develop the city for the well-being of the residents.

Just last year we were selected to participate in the appearance program and won five beauty stars, the green city award, the education award, the Grintan competition and the award for the outstanding youth unit in the whole country.

Maale Adumim is my life's work.

Under my leadership, we built the city from the ground up, developed it and turned it into a district city and a regional metropolis, a well-kept and developed city, with one of the best education systems in the country, with cultural and leisure institutions, with parks and lovely green corners and with a high quality of life in all areas of life.

Maale Adumim today is a role model for other cities.

I am against limiting the term of office to heads of authorities because I know that seniority and experience are the basis for the success of city management.

As a veteran mayor, I gained a lot of experience in municipal work and in raising budgets for the benefit of the city, both from government ministries and from donors in Israel and abroad, I created excellent relationships with all ministers in all governments, and we have an open door with each of them. As a veteran and respected mayor, I educate new mayors and accompany them , and many times I help them through the connections and experience I have gained. The government ministries have over 250 local authorities to budget for, and in order for Ma'ale Adumim to be the one to enter one project or another, my good relationship with the ministers, the experience I have gained and the pressure I know how to exert in favor of promoting projects are required Can

a

long tenure of the head of an authority lead the municipal system to cases of public corruption?

No, long tenure is not the one that leads to public corruption, what leads to it is the person and his morals.

A person who does not act out of moral considerations will fall into governmental corruption even after one or two years in office.

It has nothing to do with seniority and the years he has been in office.

I have been the mayor for 31 years, and throughout all my years of office I have been careful to be strict and run the city with integrity, responsibility and professionalism.

In principle, I want to run again, and I will make a final decision in March. As I said, Ma'ale Adumim It is the work of my life. Our city, which was a small settlement in the middle of the desert, has become a developed city that has won awards and achievements in all areas of life - and I have many more projects that I want to develop for the city and its residents, with my goal being to bring Ma'ale Adumim to economic independence, independent of the balance grant and with Quality of life is one of the best in the country.

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