Each of the various ethnic and religious groups knows its place, and the status quo is reserved. Haifa is the only city in Israel with a Sabbath bus service, and the haredim tolerate this, as no one will challenge the barricades keeping traffic out of their neighborhoods on the holy day. A representative of Haifa's Viznitz hassidim, Rabbi Aaron Genzler, spots Mitzna approaching and runs over to grab his hand and thank him for setting up a special schoolbus route for the community. He then leans in with another request, as Mitzna listens with a mild smile. Passersby of every stripe seem to share Genzler's enthusiasm for the mayor.
Motorists slow down to wave or shout out praise in a variety of accents.
Some pedestrians are bolder, coming up to introduce themselves and complain of the construction at their child's kindergarten or the need for roadworks on their street. Mitzna has his assistant takes notes and promises to give each matter due attention. These walks are my chance to be in touch. Mitzna, who has no driver, let alone a bodyguard, claims he has never felt intimidated or even aggravated by this regular contact with the people. I find that if you treat people with respect, communication and compromise follow.