Jerusalem’s municipal leadership was caught off guard when City CEO Itzik Larry announced he was stepping down after seven years in office. The move comes in the middle of Mayor Moshe Lion’s term – an uncommon timing that has drawn notice and raised interest about the circumstances. The official statement offered no further detail, leaving the public with only the formal farewell remarks
Local media’s silence
In the past, Jerusalem’s local press would have picked up on such a shift before the official announcement, providing the public with context, background, and tough questions. Today, with local journalism weakened and its influence diminished, even a dramatic stepping down of a senior official can pass quietly – without investigative reporting to uncover the story behind it
Farewell words – without real explanations
From the city’s official statement, one can sense the atmosphere, but not the underlying reason
“Itzik Larry, CEO of the Jerusalem Municipality for the past seven years, will step down in the coming weeks after seven years in the role, taking a break to consider his next steps. Larry managed the city according to Mayor Moshe Lion’s vision, leading – together with the city’s management and employees – complex, groundbreaking processes such as the cleanliness overhaul, development of public spaces, expansion of the light rail, infrastructure upgrades, new park-and-ride facilities, and major district projects
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Mayor Moshe Lion’s remarks were warm and personal, showing their close relationship but leaving the circumstances unspecified
“Itzik, I love you! We worked side by side for nearly seven years. You gave me peace of mind to lead the city through an unprecedented transformation. Your leadership and dedication to the role and the city are second only to our deep friendship. I’m sure more achievements await you
Larry’s own farewell was emotional, yet avoided any elaboration on the reasons
“Jerusalem – there is no city like it! Seven years of thought, planning, and action – above all, bringing the mayor’s vision to life, with results that speak for themselves. I thank the mayor for his trust, and the city’s employees for their tireless work. None of it would have happened without you
