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Jerusalem is already divided, says former Shas leader Deri By Avirama Golan, Haaretz Correspondent Tags: Israel News, Jerusalem, Shas Former Shas leader Aryeh Deri, who asked a court this week to allow him to run for Jerusalem mayor, says conditions on the ground suggest that the capital is already divided. "The pledge not to divide Jerusalem is empty talk," the former interior minister told Haaretz in a recent interview. "Jerusalem is divided. Anyone who comes from outside sees it immediately. The eastern side has no infrastructure and is severely run down. It is no accident that the residents don't want to take part in the municipal elections. Deri, who previously said he would accept a ruling by the Jerusalem District Court banning him from running for mayor, now says he may appeal against such a verdict. Advertisement Deri served 10 months in prison in 2001 and 2002 for accepting bribes, fraud and breach of trust offenses that were deemed as involving moral turpitude. "The differences are purely judicial - whether the moral turpitude is valid for five years, as it was before I entered prison, or seven years, as decided later, while I was serving my sentence," he says. Deri says that some countries such as the United States allow prisoners to be elected, let alone vote. "Let the public decide on the moral issue of whether I am worthy of returning to public life and whether Jerusalem could benefit from a man like me." Deri has recently received the endorsement of two key ultra-Orthodox rabbis - Shas spiritual leader Ovadia Yosef and United Torah Judaism's Yosef Shalom Elyashiv. He says the rabbis sponsored him because they feared that UTJ's candidate Meir Porush was unlikely to beat secular contender Nir Barkat in the mayoral campaign. Deri's people conducted polls showing that he is extremely popular, and that the problems troubling Jerusalem are mainly housing, employment, education, transportation and pollution. The fear of the city becoming increasingly ultra-Orthodox was the least of concerns. Deri says the public is familiar with his skills, capabilities and dedication to public office. "In all the positions I filled I worked for the public, secular and religious, Jews and Arabs. Being Jerusalem mayor is a huge mission on a national scale. The city is in a terrible low and I, who am raising my children and grandchildren and entire family in it, fear for its future," he says. "Jerusalem needs public housing, smart industry, advanced transportation and large infrastructure investments. I want to turn it into the Jewish nation's capital. Every Jew in the world will be given a resident card, signed by the mayor and prime minister, for an annual rate. That's just one of the ways to help Jerusalem get back on its feet." Related articles: Two key rabbis support Deri in run for Jerusalem mayor Mike Huckabee: A divided Jerusalem is 'unimaginable' Olmert to Shas: No talks underway on division of Jerusalem Bookmark to del.icio.us   Iranian support Khamenei: Iran will never abandon Hamas, its holy warrior Ismail Haniyeh. Weight connection Israeli, Palestinian women come together to lose weight and stay healthy.   1.   We are familiar with Deri`s skills 03:10  |  Arie 29/09/08   2.   It is shameful to let this guy will run for Jerusalem Mayer 04:02  |  e.m Jordan is Palse 29/09/08   3.   Deri and criminal expertise-perfect as an Israeli politician 06:03  |  PJ 29/09/08   4.   Haaretz has twisted Deri`s words deliberately 06:04  |  J. Frank Mortimer 29/09/08   5.   Deri should wait for Mashiach to clear him! 07:37  |  Harry 29/09/08   6.   Jeusalem should not be up for negotiation! 08:03  |  Jean Van Daem 29/09/08   7.   Prison is good 08:41  |  Leon 29/09/08   8.   Deri no thank you 09:06  |  Margie in Tel Aviv 29/09/08   9.   no one with his record should be allowed in public office 11:58  |  De 29/09/08   10.   Go tell the Parole board we are not intrested 12:30  |  SJ 29/09/08   11.   he should be associate with gaydamak in order to be perfect 16:23  |  michel 29/09/08   12.   It seems one has to have had criminal proceedings in order 2 rein 16:53  |  Helm of Chelm 29/09/08   13.   Rule of Law 18:32  |  Jack 29/09/08

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