What looked like a sure thing, the construction of the next chareidi city in Eretz Yisrael, Charish, is no longer showing signs of optimism. After another hearing addressing the 12 non-profits involved in promoting housing to the chareidi tzibur, the state prosecutor’s office is questioning the legality of much of what is taking place, including what it perceives as efforts that squelched “free marketing and pricing” for the homes in the city. Ironically, with meetings taking place this week, during Chanukah, some askanim view this a typical Chanukah battle, the “few against the many and the pure against the impure”.

Representatives of the non-profits explain that their efforts are not understood, for in actuality, they have managed to keep prices down, far below the national average, to the benefit of buyers and they are not engaged in price gouging or other illegal actions, questioning the criticism when their actions are motivated by a desire to protect consumers.

With the current situation being what it is, coupled with a growing non-frum interest in purchasing highly subsidized apartments while fighting efforts for Charish to become exclusively chareidi, it is becoming increasingly unlikely that the city will blossom as the next torah city in Eretz Yisrael.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)