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del.icio.us Digg It!  new Last update - 02:52 27/12/2007 Gaydamak launches bid for local power: New party running in 77 municipal races By Lily Galili Tags: Municipal elections, Israel  Social Justice, the party of tycoon Arcadi Gaydamak, yesterday initiated its formal foray into Israeli politics with a tour of five communities - Or Akiva, Netanya, Tiberias, Ein Mahal and Jaljuliya. The organization established less than a year ago as a social movement - and regarded with skepticism by many of Israel's politicians - is now emerging as a party, chewing away at the political and human capital of established parties. Social Justice's first target is to participate in the municipal elections throughout the country, seeking the mayor's post in 22 of them and positions on the local council in 55 other communities. That same political infrastructure is then expected to serve the party in the Knesset elections. The candidates the new party will present are mostly drawn from other parties, Likud, Shas and Yisrael Beitenu, but there are also behind the scenes talks with retired and active officers in the IDF and the police, for their possible participation on the Social Justice slate. Advertisement So far, Gaydamak has personally focused on broadening his party's appeal in Jerusalem, where he intends to run for mayor. All other political activities have been managed by party officers. In the near future, the party is expected to be reinforced with Uri Shani, Ariel Sharon's former bureau chief. Shani has been hired to be part of Gaydamak's business apparatus, but it is expected that he will also advise on political affairs because of his extensive experience gained through working with the former prime minister. Yesterday Gaydamak hit the streets for the first time to meet with members of different communities: market shoppers in Netanya, tourists on the beach of Tiberias, Haredim at a yeshiva in Or Akiva, Arabs in Jaljuliya and elsewhere. In spite of the differences between the communities, the excitement caused by Gaydamak's visit revealed a broad common denominator: serious socio-economic difficulties and revulsion for established politicians. Gaydamak, for better or for worse, is seen by these communities as the exact opposite of the establishment that they feel abandoned them during their time of hardship, a feeling that appears to have left a major dislocation between the voter and the politicians. During his visit potential voters in Netanya and Tiberias felt they could shout "King of Israel," and for a moment perhaps, felt that this was so. Even an old lady in the market, who had complained at the 40 agorot rise in the price of tomatoes was caught up by the new party's jingle: "Social Justice Is My Party." For himself, Gaydamak reserves a different characterization: "Jewish communities have always had a gvir, a patron who emerged naturally from its ranks," he told Haaretz yesterday. "This patron, because of the circumstances, emerged as a de facto leader, 'a politician' in modern terms. That is what is happening to me in the conditions prevalent in Israel." With chants in the background ushering him in as the next prime minister, Gaydamak argued that the assumption that he has aspirations for the premiership undermines his support base, and he intends to make an effort to convince the public that he does not intend to run for a position he is not qualified for. What was clear yesterday was that the public excitement, the desire to be near him and touch him, was making Gaydamak uncomfortable. He overtly displays this lack of ease as people pat him on the back and shake his hand. He appeared embarrassed, as he was dragged behind the counters of local kiosks, and his lack of command of Hebrew seems to also be an obstacle for someone who wishes to become a major player in Israeli politics. "Moses also did not know how to talk," Gaydamak said in his own defense. "It is true that he had Aharon, but I have the media." Last week, the media covering his political journey was bolstered with Al Jazeera's correspondent, who is preparing a 40-minute documentary on what the station perceives to be an important and unusual development on the Israeli political scene. Gaydamak's verbal shortcomings now appear to give him an advantage vis-a-vis the public that has had enough of talk and promises. His forced silence serves to bolster his image as a man of action, not words. This is what Eli Dar, formerly of Likud and now a candidate for mayor of Or Akiva on behalf of Social Justice, had to say:"The government and the established parties are bankrupt. "Before the elections they all promise to do and they do nothing once they are past. Gaydamak first did and only then did he decide to go to politics." Actually, he is still doing. During his visit to the Shas yeshiva in Or Akiva, he contributed NIS 1 million to rebuild its playground. Social Justice's candidate in Or Akiva is Sinai Amir, who used to be a supporter of Aryeh Deri, the former Shas leader. Sonya Beilin Ashkelon A member of Arcadi Gaydamak's Social Justice party vociferously defended its billionaire founder yesterday, saying his accomplishments were unparalleled by other politicians. Sonya Beilin, who emigrated from Russia in 1994, is a member of Ashkelon's municipal council and is the chairperson of a number of organizations catering for Israel's Russian-speaking community. "What Gaydamak did during the war, what he did for Sderot, no other person has done in politics," she said. Beilin was trained as a doctor but could no longer practice medicine in Israel. "The name of the party says it all," Beilin said when asked about the party?s agenda. "We want to address issues related to income tax; that students need to pay tuition they can?t afford. We also want to treat social problems," she said. (By Mijal Grinberg) Eli Haber Tiberias Eli Haber, 55, is Gaydamak's mayoral candidate in Tiberias. "Gaydamak has a special attitude toward Tiberias," he said yesterday. He stood on the shore of Lake Kinneret and said it was the most beautiful view in the country." Haber has no previous political experience. He held the rank of superintendent in the Israel Police, and for the past 18 years he has been the commander of fire and rescue services for the Tiberias area. Haber says he has not decided definitively on going into politics, but was surprised by the amount of support shown for his possible candidacy. "The party strives for social justice and to contribute to the society and the state," Haber said. Gaydamak is "a man of vision who wants to help Tiberias like he helped the state. I also very much want to help my city." (By Eli Ashkenazi Bookmark to del.icio.us Who shot Bhutto? Conspiracy theories over the assassination of the Pakistani opposition leader abound. Obama and Israel Israelis following the U.S. elections are not clear on Obama's approach.

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