Reply To: What really needs doing in E. Israel

Shimon Nodel @ YWN coffeeroom

I am not under the illusion that only chareidim exist

I am under the extremely true fact that many many people Charedim and otherwise would benefit massively from easier access on the main roads and interstate highways and everyone would gain tremendously if Teveria, Beit She’an and Ashdod would be far more accessible – all three are major cities.

Additionally, like it or not, 20 or 25 % of the country are chareidim, and 50% of immigrants and 70 % of tourists. They say a rising tide lifts all boats, surely basic infrastructure to benefit a massive part of the population and tourists will benefit anyone.

In fact, with respect, you seem to be under an illusion in assuming – as the previous government did- that ignoring Chareidi needs will help the rest of the population. In fact in is remarkably non sensical to imagine that denying chareidim basic infrastructure helps anyone at all.

The biggest illusion is imagining that Charedim are treated as equal citizens. There is no other settlement the size of Kiryat Sefer which can only be accessed by a one lane road.

Let’s not forget with all of Lapid’s noise about non working chareidim, allowing more access to housing jobs and education – and allowing more to reach and benefit from home based businesses and services will undoubtedly help everyone.

One additional idea that I forgot to mention:
On the red line of the light rail a stop outside Zevill – Mir would benefit everyone. Although many people exist besides for charedim, the fact that five thousand plus learn nad work around the mir surely requires some basic consideration.