GOVERNMENT

Nir Barkat

Mayor of Jerusalem

Elected as Jerusalem's ninth mayor in 2008, Nir Barkat has inspired thousands of Jerusalemites with his relentless work to turn Israel's poorest city into one rich in culture, youth, tourism, education, and sustainable economic development. This effort, coupled with his message of respect and pluralism for all residents of Jerusalem, all served as the basis for his re-election for a second term in 2013. Barkat has increased the municipal budget by an average of 10% each year in office, spurring dramatic growth in employment, investment in infrastructure, and cultural development. Accordingly, Jerusalem has become a national leader in resident satisfaction, youth engagement and enlistment in the IDF. Following the opening of the US Embassy in Jerusalem in May 2018, Barkat announced that “the square adjacent to the embassy in the capital will be called ‘United States Square’ – in honor of President Donald Trump.” (Photo: Algemeiner.)