The IDF no longer permits soldiers to leave the Jerusalem Mount Scopus area base by foot due to security concerns. This refers to a base located in proximity to the area’s Hebrew University campus. HaKol HaYehudi interviewed soldiers from the base, learning this is the case.

About four years ago the Schneller Base in Geula was sold and the IDF moved its operations from that facility to the Mt. Scopus base. The Ofrit Base houses the homefront offices as well as serving as a regional medical facility, a quasi hospital for non-emergency matters.

The sign seen on the entrance to the base reads “Due to security consideration one may not leave the base on foot, only be public bus, military shuttle or private vehicle”. In short, a soldier on foot is too easy a target for the increasing number of Arabs who wander the streets of the Mt. Scopus and neighboring areas, such as French Hill.

Despite being so close to the Hebrew University campus, military officials realize the reality in the area and prefer to play it safe. While the national government is abuzz with “peace efforts” with the PA (Palestinian Authority), quietly but steadily the PA is establishing its foothold in eastern areas of the capital, some ‘off limits’ to Jews who do not wish to encounter the wrath of the Arab majority, such as Salah a-Din Street, home to the Jerusalem District Court or the strip mall shopping area in French Hill, which is literally overrun by Arabs who accost Jewish females and males who dare to visit the area.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)