Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Dov Kalmanovich laments the fact that the city does not provide funding for a simchas beis hashoeva for the dati leumi community, only do so for the chareidim. He said NIS 750,000 is allocated for chareidi events on Sukkos while the dati leumi community gets zero.

Many have found the remarks from the deputy mayor distasteful, unprofessional, and according to some, untrue. It is cited that the city funds many slichos and other events for the dati leumi community and the deputy mayor’s sour grapes attitude is out of place.

Dati leumi websites quote aides to the mayor as “sources” and not by name, speaking out against Kalmanovich, adding deputy mayor is not an expert in his area of responsibility in City Hall and he also paints an inaccurate picture for the public due to his ignorance, often doing so for his own political gain.

One of the examples mentioned is the fact that Mayor Barkat added NIS 200,000 in funding the dati leumi Jewish Heritage event, and as one in charge of this portfolio he is expected to know what he says before shooting off his mouth.

In response to the attacks against him, Kalmanovich explains he earned a living as an accountant for 30 years and he is well-aware of what is and is not spent for the different sectors and does not require an explanation from anyone. He adds that his performance as a deputy mayor is exactly what it should be, rejecting any and all criticism against him. He adds that if need be, he will prepare an accounting to show everyone in clear numbers just how much is spent for the chareidim and dati leumi communities.

Aides to the mayor, all quoted anonymously, signal Mayor Barkat is far less than pleased with Kalmanovich’s remarks and is weighing removing the deputy mayor position from him.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)