Shas activist Pini Ezra, who landed the seventh slot on the party list, will be entering Jerusalem City Hall in the near future, replacing veteran Shas city councilman and deputy mayor, Eli Simchayof.

Mr. Simchayof is one of the defendants convicted in the Holyland real estate case. The most well known defendant convicted in the case is former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Shortly following the sentencing, Simchayof suspended himself from his activities on the city council pending the outcome of the appeal to the Supreme Court.

Shas is hoping Mayor Nir Barkat will persuade Simchayof to resign to permit Ezra to replace him as Shas is one man down on the council since he suspended himself. At present it appears if Simchayof does not agree to leave on his own, he will be ousted by Shas officials as Shas officials’ are not willing to continue serving in the city council down one seat.

City Hall legal counsel Eli Malka has informed Shas Deputy Mayor Tzvika Cohen that Ezra will be sworn in at the next council meeting.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)