Residents of the Katamonim area of Jerusalem are adamantly opposed to a vacant building being used to launch a Chabad kindergarten. The opponents are protesting in force despite the granting of a permit for the Chabad kindergarten by Jerusalem City Hall.

The building is known as Beit Elisheva, which to date housed the Re’ut School. Re’ut relocated to another building, and City Hall decided to permit Chabad to enter. A number of Katamon residents are opposed, prompting a harshly-worded letter of opposition to City Hall. The opponents want the building to become a community center or serve the same religious segment, not chareidim. Opponents state they will do everything possible to prevent Chabad from moving in; even using “extreme methods,” adding they feel compelled to prevent the continued migration of the “liberal educated residents” from the capital.

In its response, City Hall released a statement that the Chabad kindergarten will serve children from orthodox, traditional and secular homes. The city adds a new kindergarten will not be moving in, but an existing one that must vacate its present unsuitable structure, adding the solution is viewed by the city as a temporary one.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)