Rabbi Uri Lupolianski, Former Jerusalem Mayor and Yad Sarah Founder, Dies at 74

A Life Dedicated to Public Service and Philanthropy

Rabbi Uri Lupolianski, a prominent figure in Israeli public life who served as the first Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) mayor of Jerusalem and founded the widely acclaimed medical-aid organization Yad Sarah, passed away on Wednesday evening, January 7, 2026, at the age of 74. His family announced his death, noting he had been hospitalized recently due to pneumonia, which led to breathing complications.

Lupolianski's funeral was held on Thursday morning, January 8, 2026, at the Har HaMenuchot Cemetery in Jerusalem.

Pioneering Leadership in Jerusalem

Born in Haifa in 1951, Rabbi Lupolianski's political career began in 1989 when he was elected to the Jerusalem City Council. He held several key municipal positions, including Deputy Mayor and chairperson of the Planning and Building Committee.

In 2003, Lupolianski made history by becoming Jerusalem's first Haredi mayor, initially appointed in February following Ehud Olmert's resignation and then elected for a full term in June of the same year. He served in this capacity until 2008, navigating the city's complex religious, social, and political landscape.

The Enduring Legacy of Yad Sarah

Beyond his political contributions, Rabbi Lupolianski is widely celebrated for founding Yad Sarah in 1976. The inspiration for the organization arose from his personal struggle to find medical equipment for his young son. Named after his grandmother who perished in the Holocaust, Yad Sarah began as a small initiative and blossomed into one of Israel's largest volunteer networks.

Today, Yad Sarah operates with thousands of volunteers across more than 100 branches throughout Israel, providing a wide array of services including:

• Lending medical equipment
• Offering home care support
• Providing social services to the elderly, sick, and people with disabilities

For its profound impact on Israeli society, Yad Sarah was awarded the prestigious Israel Prize in 1994, among numerous other accolades.

Later Years and Personal Life

In 2014, Lupolianski was convicted in connection with the Holyland corruption affair, accused of accepting bribes that were reportedly channeled to Yad Sarah and other charitable institutions rather than for personal gain. His initial six-year prison sentence was later reduced to six months of community service and a fine, due to his medical condition.

Rabbi Lupolianski was a medic in the Israel Defense Forces and a teacher before entering public life. He is survived by his wife, Michal, and their 12 children, along with a large extended family.