Deri. Running?
Photo: Dudi Vaaknin
Yishai. Supporting
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Aryeh Deri considering running for J'lem mayor
Despite conviction of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, Shas declares it will endorse its former chairman if he chooses to run in upcoming municipal elections
The race for the Jerusalem mayorship may be heating up in light of recent reports by haredi media outlets that former Shas
Chairman Aryeh Deri will be running for mayor in the upcoming municipal elections.
Sources in the party denied reports that Shas' spiritual leader, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, worked to promote Deri's candidacy. According to one of the sources, "Deri and Rabbi Ovadia did not meet to discuss the issues, and the only meeting held by Rabbi Ovadia on the matter was with Eli Yishai, who told the rabbi that as far as he is concerned, Shas will support Deri if he decides to run."
Shas Chairman Eli Yishai announced Wednesday that his party would endorse Deri should he decide to join the race.
Mayoral Race
Tzipi Malchov
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The reports in the ultra-Orthodox media and the rumors on Deri's plans to join the Jerusalem race are not new, but an interview given to haredi media outlets by the former Knesset member's associate, Attorney Nevot Tel Tzur, ignited the fresh rumors.
Deri spent 27 months in prison after being convicted of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. These offenses carry moral turpitude, which does not allow him to run for a public office.
In order to be able to run, Deri will have to ask President Shimon Peres to remove the moral turpitude. An official at the President's Residence said Tuesday evening that "the president has yet to receive an official appeal. The president deals with pardons only after receiving an official appeal and according to the acceptable procedures and rules."
If Deri chooses to run, his main rival for the votes of the capital's ultra-Orthodox public will be MK Meir Porush (United Torah Judaism).
Two other candidates are businessman and Jerusalem Council Member Nir barkat and billionaire Arcadi Gaydamak, leader of the Social Justice party.
