Daijiworld Meida Network - Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Jan 8: Rabbi Uri Lupolianski, former mayor of Jerusalem and founder of the renowned medical-aid organisation Yad Sarah, passed away on Wednesday evening at the age of 74.
According to reports, Lupolianski had been hospitalised in recent days after developing pneumonia, which led to complications in his breathing. Despite medical intervention, he succumbed to the illness.

Lupolianski served as Jerusalem mayor from 2003 to 2008, making history as the first haredi (ultra-Orthodox) politician to hold the city’s top post. He was a prominent figure in Israeli public life, known both for his political career and extensive social service initiatives.

In 2014, Lupolianski was convicted in connection with the Holyland corruption affair, involving allegations of accepting bribes linked to the approval of a construction plan during his tenure as head of the Jerusalem Municipality’s Planning and Building Committee and later as mayor. Though initially sentenced to six years in prison, the court later accepted his appeal on medical grounds, reducing the punishment to six months of community service along with a fine of around NIS 500,000.

Despite the controversy, Lupolianski remained widely respected for founding Yad Sarah, which he established after facing difficulties in borrowing a humidifier for his infant son. What began as a small personal initiative grew into one of Israel’s largest volunteer organisations, operating dozens of branches across the country and primarily providing medical equipment to those in need.

In recognition of its immense contribution to society, Yad Sarah was awarded the Israel Prize in 1994.

Lupolianski’s passing marks the end of a significant chapter in Jerusalem’s civic and social history, with many remembering him for his dedication to public service and humanitarian work.