One must understand that in addition to the unfolding bribery case surrounding Jerusalem’s Holyland building project, the project is far from done, with additional residential complexes and a hotel in the works. There are different points of view as to what permits have been granted and what awaits approval, but what is for certain if the fact that the millions believed passed in bribes is just the beginning, and a legal battle is sure to be waged, for the investors who bought other parcels of land with the plan of building are unwilling to hear calls to “stop the building” as the fraud/bribery investigation unfolds.
One such person is Rami Levy, who owns the nationwide supermarket chain, and this week preempted the stop order, going to the Jerusalem District Court seeking assurances that the next stage of construction, which he reports is already approved, be permitted to move on schedule. He explained to the court that he purchased the land with the understanding the project would be constructed on it, and he remains unwilling to be the victim in a police investigation that has nothing to do with him. Three additional 16-story buildings are planned, as well as a 19-story hotel in the southern area of the complex, still unapproved.
Levy and his partner, Amikam Ben-Tzvi insist that they have all their permits ‘in hand’, permits issued in 2005 for four additional buildings in the northern area of Holyland. Two of the buildings will be 17 stories and two 11. Jerusalem City Hall officials indicate not all the permits have been issued for those buildings. Levy and his partner purchased the land a number of months ago after the owner filed bankruptcy.
The list of suspects in custody is expected to grow as police continue tying statements together, piecing together the puzzle. Undoubtedly, the focus, for the immediate future, will remain on any bribes”.
(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)
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While Olmert might have been bribed, no one has even accused anyone frum of taking money. The project, wisely or not, was determined to be a needed economic development projects, and has attracted much private capital, which is sorely needed, and which most economic and political leaders of all persuasions have favored.
Indeed, the main complain so far is that the developer gave money to frum charities (give to Tsadakah – according to hilonim no one would do that unless it was for a corrupt purpose), and frum politicians were more favorably disposed to them for it.