Yesterday, Nir Barkat officially became Mayor of Jerusalem. Appearing with outgoing Mayor Uri Lupolianski, the recently elected Barkat vowed to "save Jerusaelm."

Barkat's impressive electoral victory gives him a mandate to implement his vision for improving life in the city he now governs. In recent years Jerusalem has undergone many changes. The most obvious is a building boom that appears to have stalled because of the world-wide economic crisis.

Jerusalem has also become a city that has a growing population of poor people in the midst of great wealth. During the recent campaign, Barkat advocated policies that would attract and keep more middle class professionals.

Needless to say, the new Mayor will be thrust into the middle of the national and international debate over the future of Jerusalem. Barkat has repeatedly stated his commitment to a united Jerusalem and he caused a stir by declaring that he believes that Jews should be allowed to live and work in areas that have been considered  "Arab".

The new Mayor has many challenges ahead of him. He is a man of many talents and One Jerusalem will support him in his efforts to strengthen and improve the eternal capital of the  Jewish people and the State of Israel.