Despite Aryeh Deri’s best effort, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat succeeded in bringing out the voters and he has been elected to second term, defeating Moshe Leon.

Barkat won by 8% according to the first official report; 53% to Leon’s 45%. In the Jerusalem City Council election, Barkat’s list earned 28,573 votes; 13% of the votes. Barkat’s list is the third largest, behind Yahadut Hatorah and Shas.

Based on the available information it would appear many chassidim did not vote for Leon as Belz, Gur and others permitted chassidim to vote their hearts. The rebbes did not instruct chassidim to vote for Barkat.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)