Ron Huldai, Mayor of Tel Aviv - Yafo
Bio

In 1998, Ron Huldai was voted the ninth elected Mayor of Tel Aviv-Jaffa, the first Modern Hebrew city, founded in 1909.  He was reelected for his second consecutive five year term in 2003 and is running for reelection in 2008 (terms for mayor are unlimited).

Ron Huldai was born in 1944 and raised in Kibbutz Hulda. He served since 1965 as a combat pilot and was recognized as a legendary combat pilot during the Six-Day and Yom Kippur Wars. Huldai was promoted and became the commander of two of Israel's largest Air Force bases. He also served as the Commander of the Air Force Pilots Training School and Supervisor of the construction of a new air base in 1982. He retired from the Israeli Air Force after twenty-six years with the rank of Brigadier General.

Huldai's education includes studies in History at Tel Aviv University, continued studies in the American Air War College ('81); B.G.S Auburn University ('81); Wharton Business school, (advanced management program '88).

Following his military service, Huldai had the opportunity to pursue his life-long dream, following in the footsteps of his parents, who were educators, he became principal of the renowned Gymnasia Herzlia, the first Hebrew-speaking high school in Israel. During his tenure he transformed a much-deteriorated institution into a pedagogical showcase of educational and organizational excellence.

The accomplishments of Huldai’s administration have already had a demonstrable impact on the city of Tel Aviv; most significantly, Mayor Huldai has eliminated the city's deficit. Huldai has also streamlined the city's workforce making it more efficient, increased the allocation of budgetary funds for development and infrastructure, improved living conditions and infrastructure in the poorer areas of the south and the transportation infrastructure throughout the city. These improvements make way for the citywide and metropolitan mass transit system currently in planned development.

Huldai’s vision for Tel Aviv is to further solidify the city as the epicenter of pluralism and liberalism, higher education, commerce, entertainment, tourism, scientific achievement, quality of life and the focal point of Israeli art and culture.

Huldai’s priorities reside in education, environment and senior citizens and through the Municipality of Tel Aviv, he allocates funding to build and improve schools, community centers and services – paying special attention to impoverished neighborhoods in the city.

Mayor Ron Huldai serves as international chairman of the Tel Aviv Foundation. He is married to Yael and they have three children and three grandchildren.