Ofer Ayubi Appointed Jerusalem Deputy Mayor, Overseeing Community Affairs and Health
The Jerusalem City Council approved the appointment of Ofer Ayubi as Deputy Mayor on Thursday evening. Ayubi, representing the "One Jerusalem" faction led by Mayor Moshe Lion, will be responsible for community affairs and health portfolios, directly impacting residents' lives.
Ayubi's entry into the city council and his new role are part of a pre-arranged rotation agreement within the "One Jerusalem" faction, following the departure of Dr. Ronit Echadut Hodzayev. Ayubi, who grew up in the Kiryat Menachem neighborhood and has a background in computing, marketing, and import, has been active in Jerusalem's public sphere for approximately 17 years.
His public service began as a prominent activist in the Gilo neighborhood, where he later served as chairman of the local community administration. In this capacity, he initiated numerous projects, public campaigns, and infrastructure development efforts. Ayubi is also known for extensive social work, including leading the "Khamcha D'Fisah" project for over 11 years, distributing food baskets to needy families before Passover, and serving as treasurer for the "Mishkan Nissim Ayubi" synagogue in Gilo.
Ayubi joined Mayor Moshe Lion's list in 2018 and became a close confidant. He served as a senior advisor to the mayor, participating in major city initiatives and managing direct relations with neighborhoods, community administrations, and resident committees. His appointment as Deputy Mayor marks the culmination of nearly two decades of work, from neighborhood activism to a senior leadership position in the city.
In his remarks after the appointment's approval, Ayubi reflected on his journey, stating, "There are moments when the path you've taken connects to one particularly moving moment. For me, this is that moment. About 17 years ago, I started as a public activist in Gilo, my home. I wasn't looking for a position or a title, I wanted one thing: to be there for the residents, to listen, to help, to solve problems, and to improve the place I love and connect to so much. Jerusalem is not just the city I live in. Jerusalem is part of me, it's in my soul. I am privileged to serve it wholeheartedly every day, and I will continue to do so in my new role, for all the city's neighborhoods, communities, and residents. I accept the position with great excitement, and above all with a sense of responsibility and mission. I will continue to work with all my strength, to the right and alongside Mayor Moshe Lion."
Ayubi, married with six children, thanked Mayor Lion for his trust, his colleagues, and his family, concluding with the traditional blessing, "Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has kept us alive and preserved us and brought us to this time."
