For residents of the capital, the news of the unfolding bribery case involving the Holyland project does not come as a surprise, for the monstrous project in the southwestern area of the capital never fit the landscape, an eyesore according to most that could only have been approved by being ‘pushed through’ using unacceptable or illegal means, with the news of arrests in a major bribery affair confirming their suspicions.

The Holyland complex includes 196 units. The zoning originally called for construction of a luxury hotel complex but the zoning was changed to accommodate a major luxury residential project. Holyland includes 2 bedroom units sold for NIS 1.92 million; 3 bedroom for NIS 2.2 million; and 4 bedroom units selling for NIS 2.4-2.5 million. According to people involved in sales and marketing of Holyland, 60% of residents are Israelis and 40% foreigners who decided to buy in.

Police are indicating that Holyland is not the entire case, but the ‘tip of the iceberg’ and other arrests are expected as the investigation advances, addressing other luxury building projects as well.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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