Ron Huldai, Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo for over 25 years, chronicles his life story in the new autobiography, “From Hulda to Tel Aviv”

“In recent years, I have become increasingly aware that I do not know my own story. Our story.”

With these words, Ron Huldai opens the story he wishes to tell his grandchildren, about his parents and their friends, who founded a kibbutz, fought in wars, and built a country but also suffered an unspeakable tragedy – that of family and friends murdered in the Holocaust;

Of his childhood in Kibbutz Hulda, where he was born and raised on the values he lives by today; Of his 26 years in the air force as a fighter pilot, during four wars, and countless sorties as a Squadron Commander and a Base Commander; Of the moment he chose to become an educator, following in his parent’s footsteps, co-founders of the school at Kibbutz Hulda. With no experience whatsoever, he was appointed to be the principal of the Herzliya Hebrew Gymnasium, during the school’s troublesome time, turning it into one of the leading and most sought-after high schools in Israel;

And of the decision to run for Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo. In 1998 Huldai stepped in as Mayor of a lagging behind, old, badly maintained and failing city. A city abandoned by its residents. With unconditional devotion and consistent, methodical labor, proudly using the term “vision,” and overcoming obstacles and difficulties together with great and dedicated people, Huldai turned the First Hebrew city into a desired, flourishing metropolitan. A city celebrating democracy, tolerance, openness, and pluralism. A city of innovation, culture and “joie de-vivre”.

In his words: “In every generation, there was a different Tel Aviv. But it was always the central, vibrant, and interesting city in which all can find their place. Tel Aviv has a life of its own. It is far stronger than its mayors, and as such, it will always continue to be controversial. That is it’s magic”.