Website Vision

Since being elected as a council member in Zichron Yaakov in 2024, I have known that involving residents is essential for the town’s success. Zichron Yaakov is, first and foremost, the people who live in it, and its success depends on residents who are informed and engaged. For there to be genuine civic involvement, people must know what is happening — decisions made by the council, construction plans, infrastructure development, community center activities, education, and more.

That is why, from the beginning of my term I began sending out a weekly newsletter summarizing what was happening in the council and the work of the “Lemaan HaMoshava” faction. The goal of the newsletter was to create transparency and provide residents with knowledge — because knowledge is power. The responses were wide-ranging and moving, and the circle of readers kept growing. Over time, dozens of newsletters accumulated, containing a wealth of information on planning and construction, education, infrastructure, future plans, actions of the council head and administration, and more.

When the number of newsletters reached around 80, it became clear that there was a need for a central website — accessible, organized, and easy to search — unlike emails that might be deleted or where information is hard to find.

This website is designed to provide full transparency and allow quick access by keyword or topic:

  • All newsletters are gathered in one place.
  • All my activities as a council member appear there — questions, motions, official letters, and more — and are updated weekly.
  • The website will also includes all the minutes of council meetings since the start of the term (February 2024), in a format that allows quick keyword searches — unlike the official council website, which doesn’t support this and makes it harder for the public to access its own information.

This website removes that obstacle and enables the residents of Zichron Yaakov to know, at any given moment, what is truly happening in the council.

“Knowledge is power. Knowledge creates transparency.”

About Limor Zer Gutman

I was born in Haifa in 1966 and have lived there for most of my life. I spent several years in the United States, where I earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from UCLA and a Doctorate in Law (J.S.D.) from Stanford University. Since 2007, I have lived in Zichron Yaakov with my husband Aviram, a high-tech professional, and our three children—Barak, Tal, and Hila. While the two eldest have moved out, they still consider Zichron the home to which they always return.

Professional Background

I am a Law Professor and attorney, serving as the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Law at the College of Management Academic Studies in Rishon Lezion and the Head of the David Weiner Center for Lawyers’ Ethics and Professional Responsibility. In my academic career, I have spent years lecturing and researching the fields of ethics and professional responsibility for both lawyers and judges.

Public and Political Activity

I have been active in local politics for over a decade. I supported Ziv Desheh during his tenure as Mayor (2016–2024) as an active member of his party, though not as a member of the council. In 2024, Eli Abutbul was elected Mayor, and our party moved to the opposition following Ziv Desheh’s retirement. Throughout these years, I have served on a fully voluntary basis, driven by a commitment to proper administration and the public interest, always utilizing my legal expertise to ensure that actions are carried out according to the law.

“I never aspired to a political career, but I have always had a burning desire to contribute to society. As a member of the Council representing the opposition, I do this every day.”

My Vision for Zichron Yaakov

Zichron Yaakov is my home: it is where my children grew up, where my friends are, and where I enjoy hiking in nature and living in a warm community. It is vital to me to protect our town by ensuring:

  • Urban planning that serves the residents rather than developers.
  • Public budget management that strictly follows the law.
  • A local council that operates with full transparency toward the public.

About the Lema’an HaMoshava Party

Lema’an HaMoshava was formed by a group of residents of Zichron Yaakov who are committed to upholding the rule of law, proper governance, and transparency. A central pillar of the faction’s activity has been the development and strengthening of vibrant community and cultural life as the foundation for local resilience, rather than focusing on unchecked real estate development.

At the same time, the local party implemented responsible financial management, rescuing the council from a deep financial and budgetary crisis, while creating growth engines and preserving the heritage of the Moshava’s founders and its surrounding environment.

As part of its vision, the local party has led efforts to maintain a high-quality, leading education system, diversify and enrich leisure and cultural life, and provide solutions for senior citizens, young families, and the broader population.

What makes Lema’an HaMoshava unique is that its members hold diverse national-level political views yet share a common belief in community life and local civic engagement as unifying forces that enable effective public service. The local party is not affiliated with any national political party and is committed to including members from all sectors of Israeli society.

History of Lema’an HaMoshava

In 2016, Ziv Deshe was elected Head of the Council in special elections held solely for that position. The election was held following the resignation of then–Head of Council Eli Abutbul.

Lema’an HaMoshava first ran as an organized party in the 2018 local elections. In those elections, the faction’s leader, Ziv Deshe, was elected Head of the Council (running against former Head of Council Eli Abutbul, who had previously resigned). The party won four seats on the council (out of 13 total seats). Its representatives were Meir Vanunu (appointed Deputy Head of Council with salary), Mashkit Laufer, and Boaz Yeger.

In the 2024 local elections, Eli Abutbul was elected Head of the Council (running against Ziv Deshe). Lema’an HaMoshava won three seats on the council (out of 15 seats, as the council was expanded in accordance with municipal regulations due to the population reaching 25,000 residents).

The faction’s representatives were Ziv Deshe, Dr. Avigail Dolev, and Ilan Amrani. Ziv Deshe resigned from the council in August 2024 and was replaced by the next candidate on the faction’s list, Dr. Limor Zer-Gutman. Later, Ilan Amrani left the faction and joined the coalition.

Today, Lema’an HaMoshava holds two seats on the council: Dr. Avigail Dolev and Dr. Limor Zer-Gutman. It is part of the opposition bloc, which consists of five council members (three from the “Hozeh Hadash” local party), compared to ten coalition members.

We are for the moshava.