The Promised Podcast

Episode: “'We Did Nothing Special': Remembering Uri Lupolianski”

Date: January 22, 2026

Host: TLV1 Studios

Overview:

This episode is a poignant, in-depth remembrance of Uri Lupolianski, one of Israel’s most consequential and complicated public figures. It traces not just his life story—from humble beginnings to Jerusalem’s mayor and founder of Yad Sarah—but also Israel’s social fabric, collective memory, and tensions. Delivered in Noah’s signature narrative style, the episode deeply reflects on community, charity, the complexities of politics, and moral imperfection.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Historical Context and Family Background

(00:00–24:00)

• Noah opens the episode with an extended family history—starting with the Kroch family in Leipzig, Germany—using it as a prism into Jewish suffering, resilience, and legacy.
• The Krochs, prosperous Jewish bankers, lost everything during the Nazi rise, shaping later generations’ ethos.
• Similar stories are interwoven—specifically the Lupoliansky family, with stories of Holocaust trauma and new beginnings in Israel.
• Quote:
  • "On November 10, 1938, the morning after Kristallnacht, Hans V. Kroch was arrested and sent to Buchenwald…” (08:30)

2. The Humble Roots and Ethos of Uri Lupolianski

(24:00–38:30)

• Uri’s parents immigrated to Israel after fleeing Nazi Germany. His father managed a shoe store in Haifa, always haunted by the disappearance of his own mother during the Holocaust.
• The Lupolianskys are depicted as deeply religious Zionists, devoted to both tradition and broader Israeli ideals.
• Story highlighted: a teenaged Uri returning money to Israel Railways, refusing any accolade:
  • Memorable Moment:
    • “Faced with all the to do, Uri Lupoliansky insisted he deserved none of it, saying, 'But we did nothing special.'” (38:17)

3. Founding Yad Sarah: Accidental Genius of Kindness

(38:30–58:30)

• After moving to Jerusalem, Uri and his wife, Michal, inadvertently found what would become their life’s work: Yad Sarah.
  • It began simply, with lending out medical devices to neighbors—a nebulizer here, an oxygen tank there.
  • As requests grew, Uri’s father offered seed money to memorialize his own mother (a Holocaust victim).
• Yad Sarah blossomed into Israel’s largest voluntary organization, providing medical equipment with branches reaching every corner of the country—for anyone, not just Haredim.
• Quote – Ori Lupoliansky:
  • “People would come to take the stuff…I understood that there is a need for other devices. And I bought some inhalers and some tanks of oxygen, and I stowed them all in a room in our apartment. And people...from other neighborhoods...would come and take them on loan, for free.” (46:50)
• Yad Sarah’s significance: It’s seen as both a symbol of cross-community aid and of a uniquely Israeli (even ultra-Orthodox) approach to mutual help.

4. Reluctant Entry into Politics

(58:30–1:18:00)

• Uri resisted political pressure for years, prioritizing Yad Sarah and fearing politics would “taint” charity.
• Eventually, rabbinic authority (Rav Eliashiv) compelled his candidacy. He joined city politics, becoming Deputy Mayor to Teddy Kollek.
• Episode includes: Rumors, internal Haredi politics, and stories of resistance and threats ("A rabbi stole my money" anecdote).
• Community concern is palpable—fans of Yad Sarah took out ads decrying his move to politics.
• Quote:
  • "We are shocked to see and hear that politicians are mixing and linking our wondrous undertaking Yad Zara with the municipal elections in Jerusalem…Ori—recant!" (1:14:20)

5. Mayor of Jerusalem: Challenge and Reconciliation

(1:18:00–1:55:00)

• After Ehud Olmert’s departure, Uri is elected as Jerusalem’s first ultra-Orthodox mayor with broad coalition support.
• Media Reaction: Headlines proclaim "the Haredim are celebrating—Jerusalem is in our hands," capturing secular anxiety.
  • “Just like June 1967 is remembered as the day when Jerusalem was liberated from our enemies, October 2003 would be remembered as the day when Jerusalem fell back into the hands of our enemies, albeit our new enemies, the ultra Orthodox.” (1:34:15)
• As mayor, Lupoliansky was pragmatic and conciliatory—he kept theaters and restaurants open on Shabbat, supported cultural institutions, and respected all streams of Judaism.
  • When the Jerusalem Symphony was near shut-down, he personally secured funding and brought in renowned conductor Leon Botstein.
  • Attended reopening of Hebrew Union College, addressing Reform rabbis by their titles—a rare show of respect.
• Lupoliansky’s philosophy:
  • “There are many different cultures and religions in this city. I strongly believe that people dance to their own tune, but not on the toes of others.” (1:38:40)
• Notable Moment: The Pride Parade Dilemma (2005):
  • Under egging from both conservative and liberal groups, he tried to find a middle ground: funding the parade but writing publicly that he'd rather it didn't happen.
  • After violence at the march, he faced criticism from all sides.

6. Scandal and Downfall: The Holyland Affair

(1:55:00–2:10:30)

• Yad Sarah—and by extension Lupoliansky—is swept up in the infamous Holyland bribery scandal (involving real estate and municipal zoning).
  • Of 17 defendants, Lupoliansky alone did not receive cash personally—instead, funds were funneled to Yad Sarah and his son’s yeshiva.
  • Still, the court found the donations to be bribes due to his official capacity and the influence conferred.
• Judicial Lament:
  • “A man of great virtues and merits entangled the noble enterprise of his life in a web of governmental corruption…"
• Initially sentenced to six years, the Supreme Court, citing his terminal illness and immense public service, reduced it to six months community service—served at Yad Sarah itself.

7. Legacy, Complexity, and Universal Reflection

(2:10:30–2:32:10)

• At Lupoliansky’s funeral, thousands mourned—not just Haredim, but secular and even critics.
  • Shahar Ilan, a longtime critic of Haredi influence, praised him:
    • “He was jealous of Orilu Poliansky because how could one man have so very many mitzvot to his name? The only shame...was that the rabbis forced him into politics, which was no place for a good man like Orilu Poliansky.” (2:22:10)
• Noah reflects on current Israeli social rifts, especially between secular and Haredim, in the wake of military conflict and the question of service. He sees Lupoliansky’s ethic—a radical, practical humanism—as urgently needed.
• Episode’s Resonant Message:
  • In the aftermath of October 7, "everyone was asking: What can I do to help? ...On October 8th, all at once. Every one of us here was Orilu Poliansky, and it was beautiful." (2:28:42)
• Closing with the hope that, even in his imperfections, Lupoliansky “reflects back to us, ourselves, at our very imperfect and still very good best.”

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• "But we did nothing special." — Uri Lupoliansky, age 17 (38:17)
• “People would come to take the stuff…and I understood that there is a need for other devices. And I bought some inhalers and some tanks of oxygen, and I stowed them all in a room in our apartment.” — Uri Lupoliansky (46:50)
• “We are shocked to see and hear that politicians are mixing and linking our wondrous undertaking Yad Zara with the municipal elections... Ori—recant!” — Fans of Yad Sarah open letter (1:14:20)
• “There are many different cultures and religions in this city. I strongly believe that people dance to their own tune, but not on the toes of others.” — Uri Lupoliansky, mayoral campaign (1:38:40)
• “The bribery affair in all its components was thus proven, and its ugliness is profound. Millions of shekels flowed from vested interests to Yad Sarah... a man of great virtues and merits entangled the noble enterprise of his life in a web of governmental corruption…” — Court ruling (2:06:17)
• “How could one man have so very many mitzvot to his name? …The only shame of the thing was, Shahar Ilan said that the rabbis forced him into politics, which was no place for a good man like Orilu Polyansky.” — Shahar Ilan (2:22:10)
• “Every one of us here was Orilu Poliansky, and it was beautiful.” — Noah (2:28:42)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Family Legacy and Prehistory: 00:00–24:00
• Early Life and First Press: 24:00–38:30
• Founding and Growth of Yad Sarah: 38:30–58:30
• Reluctant Politics: 58:30–1:18:00
• Mayor of Jerusalem: 1:18:00–1:55:00
• Holyland Scandal: 1:55:00–2:10:30
• Eulogy and Reflection on Legacy: 2:10:30–End

Overall Tone and Language

Noah’s narrative moves from gentle irony (“you may now be reminded why this podcast needs an editor”) to intimate admiration, sorrow, and ultimately hopefulness. The language is personal, literary-tinged, and sincere—laced with humor, grief, pride, and a deep commitment to the richness and complexity of life in Israel.

Summary for the Uninitiated

This episode is a tapestry of biography, social critique, and spiritual reflection. Through the life and paradoxes of Uri Lupoliansky—mayor, convicted felon, and founder of Yad Sarah—it asks what it means to do good, to serve, and to err. It conveys the possibility that even in a fractious, divided society, small and vast acts of service can touch everyone, and that the legacy of a person is measured not only by their triumphs but by the hope they leave behind for others to follow.