A groundbreaking agreement has been signed for the restitution of land from the Hadassah Hospital to Medina, allowing for the planning and construction of new residential neighborhoods in Jerusalem in Hadassah and Ein Kerem. Approximately 9,000 housing units are expected to be built in the neighborhood, but the announcement has faced strong opposition.
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon has stated that he will take legal and public action in order to prevent the promotion of construction plans in the area. He emphasized that the city must exhaust all construction options within its existing boundaries before allowing the construction of new neighborhoods in green and open areas.
The news has sparked widespread opposition from various groups and organizations. The Sustainable Jerusalem lobby, the Save the Jerusalem Mountains movement, and the Society for the Protection of Nature have expressed their concerns about the expansion of residential neighborhoods into green spaces. Deputy Mayor Yossi Havilio has vowed to fight the intention with all his might, stating that it would be a disaster for Jerusalem and its surrounding green areas.
On the other hand, the agreement has been praised by officials from the Ministry of Construction and Housing, the Israel Lands Authority, and Hadassah Hospital. The Minister of Construction and Housing, Rabbi Yitzhak Goldknopf, sees the agreement as a way to increase the supply of apartments in Jerusalem and strengthen the city. Hadassah CEO Prof. Yoram Weiss hailed the agreement as a historical moment, promoting the city of Jerusalem and the development of hospital infrastructure.
The agreement also outlines the promotion of housing units for medical teams near the Hadassah hospitals, a move supported by the president of the Hadassah Women’s Organization, Mrs. Roda Smolo, and CEO Ms. Suzi Fat Benvanishti.
As the agreement moves forward, it continues to face fierce opposition from those who believe it will lead to irreversible damage to Jerusalem’s natural landscapes. Meanwhile, supporters of the agreement see it as a necessary step towards expanding the city’s housing supply and strengthening its infrastructure.