Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat turned to Housing Minister (Shas) Ariel Atias requesting that he delay building tenders on 53 housing units in the Kiryat Yovel area of the capital. It appears the city wishes to present an alternative plan, to build 300 units on the same land plot. This is in line with the mayor’s policy, preferring to build affordable housing for the young over exclusive housing for the wealthy.

According to City Hall officials, the plan for 300 units is supported by community planning officials and local board, with the awareness there are many young couples and other in search of affordable housing.

Askanim however explain this from a different angle, that there is “a person” on the local board who is not a fan of chareidim, and supporting the city’s plan is another way to keep chareidim away.

On the other hand, others who are not opposed to chareidim question why young chareidi couples cannot take advantage of affordable housing, seeking to sell the mayor’s plan as advantageous for the chareidi sector as well.

In his letter to Atias, the mayor explains he wishes to maximize the plot of land to the maximum in line with the city’s plan to add many affordable housing units to the community. The current Israel Lands Administration plan does not maximize the available land the city.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)