While the Jerusalem municipality has a fund intended to assist new shuls, operating a budget of NIS hundreds of thousands, most gabba’im and the heads of the non-profits building shuls are unaware of the fund, and City Hall apparently makes no effort to advertise the fund’s existence.

A Kikar report states that chareidi parties expressed criticism of the city, for not publicizing the fund, alleging it was made known to those “close to the mayor” but City Hall officials insist the fund was publicized and those who are unaware may only blame themselves, insisting the city made no effort to hide the fund from any organization building a shul.

Whatever the case may be, today, October 18th, is the last day to submit a request. A number of shuls which recently learned of the fund have applied for an extension, still awaiting a response to their requests.

For eligibility information one may click here to access the official website.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)