Yosi Havilio

In 2001, Havilio was appointed to be the Attorney General of Jerusalem. In this position, Havilio gave legal counsel to the Municipality and worked as the lead public prosecutor.[2] During his tenure, Havilio confronted mayors Uri Lupolianski and Nir Barkat on many principal issues.[3] Havilio gave legal opinions that supported the Pride Parade in Jerusalem and to the Jerusalem Open House which was in major contrast to the mayor's position.[4] In 2011, Havilio left his position at the Jerusalem Municipality, for reasons related to his relationship with Mayor Nir Barkat.[5] [6]

In 2012, Havilio opened a private law firm that focused on public law and in offering legal advice to local councils and public committees. Havilio offered his services pro bono as a legal advisor to various organizations and to represent public petitioners in the Supreme Court. In one of his cases, Havilio petitioned the Supreme Court to allow the Cinema City complex in Jerusalem to stay open on Shabbat and Jewish holidays. He also petitioned the court to prevent the liquidation of the public housing company Parezot. From this petition, it was determined that the 130 million Shekels that were in the Perezot fund would be used to purchase apartments for those entitled to public housing in Jerusalem.[7] Havilio also petitioned the court to allow the opening of the Hamifletzet Pub, a community pub in Kiryat HaYoval that was closed by the municipality because it operated on Shabbat. After his petition, the pub was allowed to reopen and continues to operate today.[8]

In 2014, Havilio founded Tzahor, an organization that works to promote the principles of equality, social and legal justice, human rights, and proper governance in Jerusalem. The organization conducted several high-profile campaigns against the Jerusalem Municipality about how government money was being used for personal political advancements.[9]

In 2017, Havilio announced that he was running for mayor of Jerusalem and launched the campaign slogan: "Havilio. Saving Jerusalem".[10] In September 2018, he dropped out of the mayoral race and endorsed Ofer Berkowitz[11][6]. In the 2018 municipal council elections, his party won 4% of the vote and received one seat on the Jerusalem City Council.[12]

After the election, Havilio joined Mayor Moshe Leon's coalition and was selected to be a Deputy Mayor for a half term.[13] Since beginning his term in July, Havilio has focused his efforts on local environmental causes, increasing women's representation, simulating community co-ops and on addressing the needs of the Arab population. In addition, Havilio's main focus is to represent and voice of the Secular and Traditional community in the very Orthodox and Haredi dominated Municipality.