Former Shas Party leader R’ Aryeh Deri issued a call to his successor, Interior Minister Eli Yishai, to act to bring an end to the housing crisis. Deri on Tuesday morning (28 Elul) visited the remains of the tent protest city in the Jesse Cohen area of Holon, meeting with protest leaders, expressing his support and admiration for their ongoing efforts.
According to a report appearing in the daily Maariv, Deri decided to time his visit ahead of Rosh Hashanah, at a time when most of the media spotlight surrounding the struggle has waned, telling organizers “I derived strength from your efforts during recent months. I crossed my fingers and davened for you and the cause”.
Deri went on to explain how he identifies with the cause, but became fearful when some of those involved turned too political, a move that could have distanced many supporters. “I will do whatever I can to ensure this fight is not extinguished” he added, stressing the need to find a solution to the national housing crisis, the critical shortage of affordable housing.
“My childhood passed before my eyes as we lived in immigrant camps (Ma’abarot) and I know just what you are talking about. I am calling on Eli Yishai, a minister and a friend in Shas, to do whatever his office can to end the housing shortage. Today, I lack the tools and position to actualize a change, but I feel a need to support and encourage those who do”.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
The solution is for the government not to hold all this land and also do something about the cement/construction monopolies. That’s a big reason why the prices are so much higher than other countries.