By COLlive reporter
University Heights Councilwoman Michele Weiss has become the first female Orthodox Jewish mayor in United States history, winning decisively in the heavily Democratic Cleveland suburb despite running as a Republican, YNet News reported.
Weiss was elected after 15 years of work on the city council and a long record of bipartisan cooperation.
Weiss, a mother and grandmother who has lived in the city for 28 years, rose from volunteer civic work to vice mayor and built a reputation for fiscal discipline, environmental advocacy, and attention to infrastructure. She said she was humbled by the historic nature of her victory but stressed that she entered the race simply to serve her community.
Weiss said her top priority is healing political divisions in what is intended to be a nonpartisan municipality. She criticized the outgoing administration for creating tensions between Democrats and Republicans, saying she hopes to restore a “close-knit” neighborhood feel while advancing several major infrastructure projects.
Her ability to win as a Republican in a Democratic stronghold, she explained, came from years of personal relationships with residents. “People know I deal with them as individuals,” she said. “This isn’t about ego. It’s for the city.”
Taking office at a time of rising antisemitism in the United States, Weiss emphasized close cooperation between the police chief and the Cleveland Jewish Community Federation’s security service to protect the city’s diverse population. University Heights is home to 17 ethnic groups within less than two square miles.
She also hopes her election encourages more Orthodox Jewish women to enter public service. “You can keep your morals and values and still serve,” she told YNet, adding that her decision was guided by the belief that Jews are placed in the world “to make a difference.”
Weiss will take office in January, leading a suburb of roughly 13,000 residents known for its diversity and strong sense of community.
can you appoint a real frum rabbi to be the cleveland clinic official rabbi? Like to help the jews who are in that hospital who want a rabbi.
Reach out to rabbi Mendy Alevsky !
you should appoint him as the official hospital rabbi!
I wish her all the luck in the world.
May Michele continue to be the light that spreads light.
A small amount of Light Disperse Much Darkness…
Bring That Special Unique Light to All around you and beyond.
USA playing catch up again nu’ us Brits had Miss Miriam Moses OBE JP.
There is a issur of srara for women which includes all positions of power.
You’re just saying that because you are jealous of women in power.
You’re just saying that because you are jealous of women in power
That’s actually completely false! There were many women in the Torah who were leaders, for example Devorah the prophetess. Look it up. She ruled over the Jewish people
Mazal tov, mazal tov! May you continue to go from strength to strength with only revealed goodness.