Arkady Gaidamak is examining the possibility of running for Mayor of Yerushalayim in the next elections in two years.
His plans have not yet been formalized, but Gaidamak has already consulted with friends in Moscow who could assist him in making such a move. Associates of Gaidamak confirmed that he is considering the move, and that he has consulted with the Chareidi circles in Yerushalayim.
The idea came up when Gaidamak became involved in trying to mediate between the warring sides over the holding of the Shame parade in Yerushalayim.
Gaidamak was recently heard saying he could “easily win in Yerushalayim.” He is convinced he would have the support of the Chareidi sector which is the necessary electoral base for winning.
One of the steps he has taken so far in this direction is the strengthening of his ties with the Frum Olam in Yerushalayim in particular. He has also made a point of stressing his own connections with Jewish tradition.
This investment in the Chareidi sector was evident in the turn-out by Charedi representatives at Gaidamak’s Chanukkah party last week.
The number of MKs from the UTJ and Shas factions was surprisingly high. Rabbi Menachem Porush, a former MK, said he had come to the party out of respect for the host.
Join the official YWN WhatsApp status
5 Responses
With his abundance of $$$$, he can do alot to help the poor of Yerushayalim, he would get my vote!
How does it work in the holyland, how many times can a person run and win election for mayor (seems like Teddy boy was there was at least a decade).
He deserves the chareidy support. He is an unbelievable and caring jew!
Is Rosh Haiyr Lupolionski not running?
Assuming that he could and plans on running, why would UTJ not back their own candidate despite all of Gaidamak’s maylos?
From what I gather, the toshavei yerushalyim are relatively happy with Lupolionski.
I think Lupoliansky is too “nice” for the job and he should go back to running his exemplary chessed organization. Still, having Gaydamak buy the mayoralty is not a good idea either. He is thoroughly corrupt, to put it mildly, and has ties to foreign intelligence. Gaydamak is probably also playing games in charedi politics to get back at the equally suspicious Lev Leviev for a failed partnership years ago.
Correction: supposedly Gaidamak and Leviev have reconciled.