The city of Jerusalem recently swore in its newest city council member, 31-year old Oleh Dan Illouz. Dan, a Katamon resident who made aliya from Canada eight years ago, replaces councilman Yoav Bakshi Yevin representing the Hitorerut Jerusalem party. Dan has been active in the Hitorerut Jerusalem party for two years, and head their new immigrant sector in Jerusalem. He is also the author of two books on Zionism, and VP of Partnerships at Jgive.com.
Dan was able to clear some time from his busy schedule to speak with Janglo about his background, his appointment, and his vision for Jerusalem.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.
I was born and raised in Montreal, Canada, and made aliyah at age 23. I had just completed my studies at Mcgill Law School and has a promising legal career lined up, but I decided that I wanted to be a part of the great story of the State of Israel and made Aliyah. Like most North American Olim, I did not run away from anything, but rather ran to something.
After making aliyah, I settled in Jerusalem and have since been active in the public sphere. I worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where I managed the negotiations on some international treaties. I then worked with Mayor Nir Barkat on his previous campaign before being named the legislative advisor of the Likud. I had a regular column in the Jerusalem Post and also published two books. Today, I decided to focus solely on Jerusalem because I think that the next elections, and the years following it, will be critical to Jerusalem, the city I love, and they will define Jerusalem's future.
Why did you choose Hitorerut? Why do you think Hitorerut's vision is the right one for Jerusalem?
First of all, and most importantly, the ideology of Hitorerut is the right one for Jerusalem. Hitorerut wants Jerusalem to succeed in being a home for all the diverse populations that live in the city. In the past, Zionist populations have left the city for other options and this is one of Jerusalem's main challenges. We need to ensure Jerusalem will stay the capital of all Israelis. This is the motivation behind all of our projects be it developing Israel's economy for it to become more attractive economically, or fighting for solutions to the real estate prices for housing to be affordable to young couples.
Second of all, Hitorerut has proven that it will work hard to achieve its goals. Over the past 10 years, whenever given a portfolio, Hitorerut worked hard to ensure it will revolutionize what happens in this field. If we look at the great successes of Jerusalem in the last few years, most will point out the growth in cultural events, the high tech scene, small businesses, and the youth. These are all portfolios that Hitorerut held.
Finally, I am not a part of every single forum within the Hitorerut party, and I can say with certainty that in every one of our discussions, we try to see how we can do what is best for Jerusalem. Not what is best for Hitorerut, but for Jerusalem. Of course, we believe that a strong Hitorerut will be good for Jerusalem. We believe Ofer Berkovitch is the best candidate for mayor of Jerusalem. However, we never forget the real reason why we came here- for Jerusalem.
How was an Anglo like you able to work your way up in the Hitorerut party?
Hitorerut is a party based on the idea that Jerusalem should represent all of its inhabitants. As such, not only was Hitorerut open to Anglos being involved in the party, it was very happy when it happened. In Hitorerut the rule is simple - those who work hard for Jerusalem advance in the party. As we managed to successfully promote several projects for Olim in the past few years, I was able to advance in the party until I was elected to the city council.
I know you are still new to the role, but can you describe for us what the job of a city councilman is like?
There are many aspects to the role. I feel that the most important part of our role is to listen to the voices of Jerusalemites and to communicate them in the city council, trying to find solutions for problems they face on a day to day basis and making Jerusalem a better place to live. This translates in the end into voting on various issues on the council or in committees, but this is only the last step of a longer process of understanding what Jerusalemites want and need. I hope my office will become a place where Olim can find an ear willing to listen about their challenges and where we will help them find solutions.
Some people have called Hitorerut a non-religious or even anti-religious party. As a kippah-wearing member, how do you see things?
These are false rumors. Not only are half of the members of the city council in Hitorerut religious, half of our party members also are. We believe that Jerusalem needs to unite all sectors and be a place for all to unite. We serve all types of Jerusalemites, from the most secular to the most religious, and hope they can all find a place in Jerusalem. If we are sometimes at odds with some policies promotes by the ultra-orthodox parties, it is because we fear these policies would hurt this delicate balance. As a religious person, I find that Hitorerut's vision is right in line with the Bible's vision for Jerusalem as a city that "is bound together".
Any tips for Olim looking to get involved in politics?
Don't give up. Many people will tell you your dreams are too big, but don't listen to them. Yes, it is a risk, but everyone who has succeeded in politics took that risk.
On a practical level, I would say that one needs to both ensure he learns Hebrew fluently to communicate well with Israelis, but also never forget that the English language and foreign culture we come with is a huge advantage. Don't be afraid to leverage it.
Going from being a new immigrant to a city council member in only 8 years is something quite incredible. I think my election proves that all opportunities are open to Olim, because Olim are not simply new immigrants, they are part of the family and are returning home. Yes, we need hard work to succeed, but it is indeed possible. If on a day to day basis Olim are often faced with challenges, I hope my election reminds them that Israel is in fact their home.
Watch Dan's speech at his inauguration party.
