Indian-origin woman running for mayor’s post in Israel

Vadodara: If Israel elects its first mayor of Indian origin this year, Vadodara will have its named etched in history forever. Dr Ricky Shay is the first person of Indian origin to run for the mayor’s post in Ashkelon, one of the big cities of Israel. She was inspired to run for the post while working for the twin city pact between Vadodara and Ashkelon.
“After the Vadodara-Ashkelon pact was signed some years ago, I began working on several programmes that were organized to bring these cities closer,” Shay told TOI. “Before this pact, there was little contact with India. I came to Vadodara and met many people there. When I connected to my Indian roots and culture that is based on values of giving, patience, and tolerance, I decided to run for the mayor’s post.”

Shay, who is a city council member, played an important role when a cultural and musical festival was organized by the Vadodara-based Friends of Israel in Ashkelon last year. “Shay came in contact with many people in her city who suggested that she is doing very well as a city council member and hence she should run for the mayor’s post,” said Nikitin Contractor, the convener of Friends of Israel. “In a way, the twin city pact did inspire her.”

Shay has worked as a lecturer and academic director and has trained women educators. Shay became a city council member five years ago and she handles education, women empowerment, and small business portfolios. Shay’s parents, who are Maharashtrian Jews, were born and brought up in Mumbai. They shifted to Israel in 1964 and settled there.

“I have worked a lot for women empowerment here and I am banking on them for my victory. Ashkelon also has Maharashtrian Jew community,” Shay said. “If Shay becomes Ashkelon’s mayor, it will not just create history but also benefit the ties between India and Israel through Vadodara. She has a chance of winning,” Contractor said.