It is a known fact that many properties in Yerushalayim are owned by foreigners, some claimed by governments.
This particular land parcel, which includes tens of dunams of land, is one that is well-known to many, in the real estate community and the frum community as well, since on this property sits Maran HaGaon HaRav Yosef Sholom Elyashiv’s shul. The modest shul where the Gadol Hador gives his daily shiur traces back to the deposed Ethiopian Caesar, explaining why a nearby street is called Ethiopia Street. The caravan that was placed on the plot some six years ago is a well-known entity, one that has been visited by thousands upon thousands. The original land registry listing in the days of the Turks cites one owner only, the deposed Ethiopian leader.
Most assumed the structure, the Rav’s shul, would remain until moshiach, but now this is not a given since there is an ongoing land dispute, one that has ready filled the span of hundreds of courtroom hours, the weekly BaKehilla reports. Foreign government and diplomats in Israel are following the proceedings.
After the Caesar was deposed, fleeing to the United States, the dispute over the land began, with the current government which does not maintain ties with Israel staking a claim to the land. In essence, the ownership question impacts not just the shul, but the many other homes constructed on the tens of dunams. Over the years, many put down key money which was to have been kept in an escrow account until such time the ownership question is resolved. In the meantime, the bank is pleased, having the generous funds in the account available as the lawyers continue to file expert opinions, seeking to reach a final solution as to who owns the land.
About six years ago, due to the realities of Maran’s physical limitations, the gabba’im realized the Gadol Hador cannot continue making his way to ‘Teferes Bachurim’ where he davened and delivered shiurim for decades. A decision was made that a shul has to be established nearby, and contact was made with land owners and city officials.
An Ethiopian source agreed to permit setting up a shul for a nominal charge of $100 monthly. A second “Ethiopian source” agreed to give the property without any charge. After a number of months passed, realizing the stature of R’ Elyashiv, the source requested a nominal charge announced he too would wave any fee in the future.
The difficulties began about three years ago when a Jewish man purchased the property, with all the mosdos and homes on it, including Ganei Bnos Yerushalayim, the Spinka Beis Medresh, and a portion of the Slonim Yeshiva to name a few. According to the report, the buyer gambled, paying about $1 million to the heirs of the Caesar, believing their legal case was solid and he eventually would be sitting an undisputed plot of land. A year later, a court did indeed give validity to the sale from the heirs of the deposed Ethiopian ruler to the Jewish man.
The man, who is seeking to turn a profit, put the lot up for sale, asking a cool $9 million. Some real estate experts explain the sum is extravagant since there are some historical buildings on the property that may not be torn down. Towards enabling him to make a sale, Maran gave the man a document which he signed, stating he and the shul have no claim to the property. He adds if the new owner wishes the shul removed, there will be no objections since he bought it legally and therefore maintains the right to use it as he sees fit.
Askanim close to Maran are now looking for a buyer who will agree to permit the shul to remain for as long as it is relevant. Due to the price being asked by the owner, they realize their mission is not a simply one.
(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)
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One Response
Quite so. As soon as all the Jews get back their lands and properties that was stolen from them from Poland to Paris from Egypt to Spain for over millennia, then we’ll talk about giving back land. Chutzpah.