Rav Chaim Miller, who heads the Movement on Behalf of Jerusalem and its Residents is threatening Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat with a petition to the Supreme Court. Miller accuses the mayor of trying to maintain non-frum control of chareidi neighborhoods of the capital, referring to Ramot, Givat Shaul and Kiryat Yovel.

Last week, Miller turned to city official Yossi Sharabi demanding fair elections for the community councils that run the neighborhoods in question, the same elections that were held in other communities of the capital. City Hall appears to fear the demographic change in those communities will result in ousting the non-frum ‘good old boys’ network and replace them with chareidi representatives. As such, the elections in those areas were not held. There were similar attempts to bypass the scheduled the local elections in other areas of the capital too, such as in Nachlaot where a number of shomer shabbos representatives were elected. The local boards make decisions regarding funding and other significant issues that directly impact the quality of life of residents.

Sharabi explained the areas in question would not participate in the local election, but instead the current boards would use their right to simply reelect themselves.

Miller is not intimidated easily and in the letter sent to city officials; he expresses his disdain for “the anti-democratic nature” of the city’s actions, actions that “remind us of communism and the ancient Greek culture”. Miller explains that Givat Shaul and Ramot are primarily chareidi today, and chareidim make up one-third of the population of Kiryat Yovel, demanding elections to permit residents to elect officials that represent the will of the community.

“It is known that residents in those areas have suffered from the anti-chareidi community boards for over 20 years, as they refuse to give vacant buildings in the neighborhood for use as kindergartens or schools. As are result, these students learn in shelters, tin structures and rented apartments – makeshift classrooms, all the while genuine schools and classrooms continue to gather dust. These community boards elected themselves once again. They act contrary to the desire of the residents, funding and sponsoring cultural, recreational and political events that only cater to a small minority of the community residents.”

Miller makes his position crystal clear, explaining if the unacceptable decision to renew the current community councils is not reversed and legitimate elections held, he will take his case to the High Court of Justice.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)