Mourning Teddy

Former Mayor of Jerusalem, Teddy Kollek, who served a 28-year term during Israel's most politically charged, historical moments (Six-Day War and claiming East Jerusalem under Israeli sovereignty) died today at the age of 95.

Kollek, who was an advocate of the Why can't we all just get along approach with regards to the Palestinians and the acquisition of East Jerusalem, is famously quoted as saying, "We proved that Jerusalem is a better city united than divided."

Kollek was also admired for his efforts to balance the needs and demands of secular Jews and the city's ultra-orthodox Jewish community. He promoted special housing projects for the ultra-Orthodox, locating them far from main roads to distance them from Sabbath traffic.

He fought attempts by zealous Jews to move into the Muslim quarter of the walled Old City, but defended the practice of developing Jewish suburbs around the eastern Arab sector to prevent it from ever escaping Israel's rule.

Kollek aides later admitted that during his decades in office, the city's master plan was aimed at preserving the population balance at 28 percent Arabs and 72 percent Jews. To solidify Israel's hold over the eastern sector of the city, Kollek presided over the construction of nine Jewish neighborhoods, moving 160,000 Jews into the area.

Said Prime Minister Olmert, who in 1993, succeeded Kollek as Mayor of Jerusalem:

The name of Kollek will remain forever a part of the Jerusalem scene. The government and people of Israel bow their heads in deep sorrow at the passing of one of the giants among the founding fathers of the state.

Indeed Kollek's passing is a sad day in Israeli history. Old geezer and all.