Plans to build a hotel at the site of the Health Ministry building in downtown Jerusalem, on Yaffo Street near Machane Yehuda, have been cancelled. According to the MyNet Jerusalem report, the venue is also next to a yeshiva affiliated with Gerrer Chassidus and Health Minister Yaakov Litzman, who is a Gerrer Chossid, intervened to prevent the hotel.

The plan calls for converting some of the historic buildings in the city, such as the Health Ministry, but plans for a hotel at that site have been placed on hold. The ministry was to be relocated to modern offices near the entrance to the city, permitting the renovations and opening of the boutique hotel.

The report states the ministry is going to relocate nonetheless, and now it remains to be seen if the chareidim will attempt to convert the site into a Torah institution. There is much anger over Litzman’s interference as the boutique hotel is part of the city’s master plan, which has been in the works for years and finally has all the approval to move ahead. Many feel the postponement of the hotel will have a major negative impact on other aspects of the plan in the area.

MyNet quotes Jerusalem City Hall responding, “In light of different positions as to the future of the site, the decision has been made to delay the plan and weigh all the different suggestions”.

The minister’s office responded, “During meetings regarding the future of the Health Ministry complex on Yaffo Street, there is much opposition to a boutique hotel from area residents in proximity to the site. The minister asked to speak with community representatives towards reaching an understanding. Hence, the plan is on hold to permit opening a dialogue. Simultaneously, alternate sites for the hotel that might better serve future development are being probed”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)