Throughout Jerusalem’s turbulent history, the city has seen its share of colourful and eccentric rulers, so the choice of candidates for next week’s mayoral elections is a return to form.

Meir Porush is an ultra-orthodox Rabbi with 12 children and a flowing, white beard that reaches far down his chest. Nir Barkat is a smooth-talking former high-tech entrepreneur, who promises to build new Jewish settlements in occupied East Jerusalem. Arkady Gaydamak is a Russian-born billionaire and former arms dealer, who speaks little Hebrew and owns the city’s most popular football club, Beitar Jerusalem. A recent addition is Dan Biron, a long-haired former journalist whose campaign slogan boasts a cannabis leaf outline.