Jerusalem’s downtown area merchants have decided to stop seeking an understanding ear in City Hall regarding their basic rights and this week, they headed out to protest.
 
Eli Levy, who heads the organization representing the merchants’ downtown, including Machane Yehuda, announced a major protest rally is planned to express their unwillingness to continue under present condition resulting from ongoing construction of the light railway system.
 
The merchants association explains they have had their fill of promises from City Hall and the national government, and the time has come to see results – insisting a solution must be found regarding the conditions on Jaffe Street. Levy explains the ongoing construction has all but eliminated access to many area stores, with many businesses suffering as a result.
 
The merchants association is requesting that during the construction period, annual arnona property tax be canceled; to implement changes in bus routes and schedules to accommodate shoppers; and to modify work hours to permit shoppers to access area stores without encountering tractors and construction equipment.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)