Rabbi Uri Lupolianski, Founder of Yad Sarah and Jerusalem's First Haredi Mayor, Dies at 74

Rabbi Uri Lupolianski, the founder of Yad Sarah and the first haredi (ultra-Orthodox) mayor of Jerusalem, died on Wednesday at the age of 74 after being hospitalized with pneumonia.

Lupolianski, a figure known for both his public service and his contributions to Israeli civil society, served as mayor of Jerusalem from 2003 to 2008. His election marked a historic shift as he became the first ultra-Orthodox politician to hold the city’s top position.

Though his tenure as mayor was later clouded by a conviction in the Holyland corruption case, Lupolianski’s legacy remains deeply tied to Yad Sarah, the medical-aid organization he founded. The organization, which began in the 1970s after Lupolianski struggled to obtain a humidifier for his ill son, grew into one of Israel’s largest volunteer-based nonprofits.

Yad Sarah operates dozens of branches across the country, lending medical and rehabilitative equipment to anyone in need, regardless of background. It has helped hundreds of thousands of Israelis over the decades and received the prestigious Israel Prize in 1994.

In 2014, Lupolianski was convicted of accepting bribes in the Holyland affair related to real estate development in Jerusalem. Although sentenced to six years in prison, a court later reduced his punishment to six months of community service due to serious medical concerns, along with a fine of NIS 500,000.

Despite the scandal, many continued to praise his pioneering work in the nonprofit sector and his emphasis on volunteerism and public health.

Lupolianski’s death marks the end of a multifaceted life dedicated to community service, faith, and the betterment of Israeli society. Details regarding his funeral and memorial services have not yet been released. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.