Jerusalem Municipality

Local government, national impact: Haim Bibas on shaping Israel’s future

The Federation of Local Authorities in Israel’s chairman discusses why municipalities have become Israel’s problem-solvers, and how they play a central role in addressing the country’s challenges

Haim Bibas, head of the Federation of Local Authorities in Israel and mayor of Modi’in Maccabaim Re’ut.
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion presents NBA star Deni Avdija with the "Jerusalem Ambassador in the Diaspora" award in New York City on May 28, 2026.

Israeli NBA star Deni Avdija presented with award during Jerusalem real estate fair in NYC

Children play in a Jerusalem shelter

Grapevine: Sheltering routine

The Jerusalem Municipality took the personal approach to delivering games kits around town.

From shelters to fun: How Jerusalem is helping residents cope during Iran war


Should Jerusalem Municipality-backed institutions hold election events?

These days, when the title of legal adviser raises the threshold of excitement from all sides of the political map, things are a little more sensitive. 

 ELI MALKA: Surprising legal opinion.

Jerusalem municipal elections are approaching: Who's running?

Lion would like a secular, left-leaning woman for the slot to attract a secular audience to vote for his list. But so far, no one has been selected.

 LAURA WHARTON at Safra Square.

Where are Jerusalem's Jews, Arabs living together?

Two case studies involving areas in Jerusalem where Jews and Palestinians work and play alongside each other are the Mamilla Mall and Liberty Bell Park.

 MAMILLA MALL: Empty during lockdown (pictured Dec. 2020), bustling on chagim.

This week in Jerusalem: The lady is a winner

A weekly round-up of city affairs.

 CHOOSING THE Hills: Hiking the Sataf in the Jerusalem Hills.

Grapevine: Much that is positive

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

 MAYOR MOSHE LION on Jerusalem’s Jaffa Road.

How are Jerusalem's politicians getting ready for municipal elections?

There have been some posters, some exposure on the media networks, and occasionally a few private salon get-togethers – but the big “action” has not happened yet. 

 An Israeli municipal elections voting box.

This week in Jerusalem: Money time

A weekly round-up of city affairs.

 THE 2023 overall municipal budget: A record-breaking NIS 14.4 billion.

Jerusalem parties feud over haredi schools in secular neighborhoods

What is on the agenda now is feeling among some of the city’s residents that the ultra-Orthodox representatives are establishing facts on the ground and preparing to deepen their influence.

 HEBREW UNIVERSITY dorm in Kiryat Yovel, with anti-haredi graffiti, 2009 – even then, tensions were rising as the neighborhood was becoming increasingly Orthodox.

Jerusalem city councilors start their 2023 election campaigns

Jerusalem city councilors Laura Wharton and Yossi Havilio failed to unite their lists and run together, but their platforms are largely similar.

 YOSSI HAVILIO, deputy mayor and city councilor in the coalition’s non-haredi wing.

This week in Jerusalem: Helpless

A weekly round-up of city affairs.

 TALPIOT: PARKING ticket hub of Jerusalem (Illustrative).