What makes Rabbi Uri Lupolianski's possible last minute late entry into the race most unusual is the
fact that he is currently on trial for public corruption, money
laundering and related crimes.
Rabbi Uri Lupolianski
On Trial For Public Corruption, Money Laundering And Related Crimes, First haredi Mayor Of Jerusalem Plans To Be Mayor Once Again
Shmarya Rosenberg • FailedMessiah.com
The first and so far only haredi mayor of Jerusalem, Rabbi Uri Lupolianski, is reportedly about to enter the race for the city’s mayor five years after he last held office.
Israel Hayom reported this morning that Lupolianski plans to announce his candidacy in September after Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish new year).
What makes Lupolianski's possible last minute entry into the race most unusual is the fact that he is currently on trial for public corruption, money laundering and related crimes.
Lupolianski is accused of taking 2 million shekels ($560,000) in bribes from developers in return for cutting red tape and pushing their project through the city’s approval process when he was deputy mayor in the 1990s.
Lupolianski allegedly laundered the money through Yad Sarah, a charity he founded to help disabled Israelis with medical equipment like wheelchairs and walkers. Twelve other defendants were also indicted and are on trial over alleged wrongdoing surrounding the Holyland project with Lupolianski, including former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
Lupolianski reportedly has apparently told his friends that his campaign would only be launched after his testimony in the Holyland trial is completed.