Masorti rabbi slams Lupolianski for omitting him

Balter: Lupolianski's behavior was offensive to supporters of Jewish pluralism.

By MATTHEW WAGNER
lupolianski 224.88 (photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski [file])
lupolianski 224.88
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski [file])
Masorti Rabbi Mauricio Balter took offense Tuesday evening after Jerusalem's Mayor Uri Lupolianski, who is haredi, refrained from mentioning him in a speech at the opening of the World Zionist Organization's General Zionist Council in Jerusalem. Balter, acting Chairman of the General Zionist Council, said Lupolianski purposely ignored him in his speech. "The mayor found a way of avoiding addressing me as rabbi," said Balter, who is the rabbi of the Krayiot Masorti Congregation near Haifa. Lupolianski's spokesman said in response in response to Balter's claims that, "the mayor did not ignore anyone." Jewish Agency Chairman Ze'ev Bielsky, who was the third and last speaker besides Balter and Lupolianski, mentioned both Lupolianski and Balter in his speech. Bielsky praised Balter for his work with new immigrants from South America. Balter said that Lupolianski's behavior was offensive to supporters of Jewish pluralism. "It's too bad Lupolianski is mayor of Jerusalem. The city is supposed to symbolize unity. Lupolianski wants Jews to come to Jerusalem, as he said in his speech. But his actions are driving non-Orthodox Jews away."