Dedicated to improving quality of life in all neighborhoods
In our continuing series to get to know the candidates in Jerusalem’s mayoral race this coming November, we sit down with former deputy mayor Ofer Berkovitch of Hitorerut.
By PEGGY CIDOROfer Berkovitch(photo credit: SHARON GABAI)Who are you? I am Ofer Berkovitch, married to Dina, an immigrant from Paris and a lawyer working at Teva, the father of Ariel and Yftah. I was born and grew up in Jerusalem and graduated from the Hebrew University in philosophy, economics and political science.I founded the Hitorerut movement, which I lead, and I resigned from my position as deputy mayor over the agreements signed by Mayor Nir Barkat with the haredim that I perceived as a direct threat to the Zionist character of the city.Why are you running? I love Jerusalem. All the things I believe in were forged for me in this stunning city. My family is here, Jerusalem has influenced me in all my steps, and I am totally committed to this city. For me, Jerusalem is not only a matter of religion or tradition – for me, it is at the core of my perception of what it means to be a Zionist.Who are your voters? I plan to address all the Zionist sectors in the city. It is not a matter of right wing or left wing – whoever believes that Jerusalem should represent the Zionist national voice are my potential voters. We are not working against any sector, and Hitorerut is a home for the religious, secular, traditionalists whose shared aim is to consolidate our sole capital city. These are the residents I will address.What will be your ticket for this campaign? I will convey three major messages – that Jerusalem needs a mayor who is 100% committed to Jerusalem; will move the city forward and make it more modern and attractive; and is dedicated to the needs of the residents in terms of clean streets and the level of municipal services, everything required for consolidating the quality of life in the all the neighborhoods.
How will you solve such issues as cleanliness, the emigration of young adults, the need for affordable housing and increased employment? Regarding cleanliness, I will enhance to the utmost the resources required to improve the situation on the ground. I will lead a significant change in the culture of keeping the city clean among the residents. I will initiate a policy of tough punishment on those who dirty the city.I will lead a campaign to enhance the motivation and awareness on that matter among and through renowned figures in the city.What are your plans regarding the tension between the haredi and pluralist sectors? I believe that the position of mayor will enable me to fulfill my dreams to offer the residents a large platform to ensure a future of tolerance and productivity for Jerusalem.What are your plans regarding the Arab sector? The neglect of so many years of that sector requires a plan of action at the national level. There is no sovereignty in Jerusalem without responsibility and accountability.Under Barkat’s rule we have remained at the level of empty declarations on that matter. Whoever wishes to get a united city has to work and make facts on the ground. Talking is not enough.Who is financing your campaign? Most of the money will come from loans that will be reimbursed through the party’s financing in accordance with the law.There are also a few private donors, too.What is your experience in these matters? I have behind me 10 years of public activities, and four years as deputy mayor. I have contributed to bringing hi-tech companies to the city, from 200 to 512 presently.I have enlarged significantly the city’s cultural budget, saved the Smadar cinema and initiated summer camps for underprivileged children at reduced prices.Will you run if Mayor Barkat decides to run again? Or will you join him or drop the candidacy? Barkat has broken all his commitments to the city over the years. During this term, his mind has been on the Likud [and possibly going into national politics] and he does not give the city the full attention it deserves. I will run facing Barkat, to give the city’s pluralist sector the best possible representation.What is the most important quality needed to be mayor of Jerusalem? Love for the people. The capacity to accept the other, the different, and to maintain the continuous search for a shared common ground even when that goal seems far from possible.
