While less than half of the polling stations in Jerusalem have been counted, leading candidate Nir Barkat delivered a victory speech quoting part of the blessing “for enabling us to reach this occasion.” Barkat declared, “Tonight Jerusalem, Israel and the Jewish People have won.” Barkat went on to thank his associates, supporters and families.
Barkat is leading at this hour with 53% of the vote over Meir Porush who has 37%.
Barkat thanked all for the “privilege to be Mayor of Jerusalem.” He called Jerusalem Israel’s eternal capital. He said that the victory belongs to all of Jerusalem’s citizens, those with knit yarmulkes [a reference to the religious-zionist public], those with see-through yarmulkes [a reference to the secular public which goes bare-headed], and those with black yarmulkes [referring to the hareidi-religious public]. “I will be mayor for all of Jerusalem’s citizens, Jews and Arabs alike,” he said.