Young Israel Movement Applauds Decision To Pursue Jerusalem Expansion

The National Council of Young Israel (NCYI) today praised a decision by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat to forge ahead with a project to construct nearly 900 new housing units in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Gilo.  In advance of the anticipated decision by the Jerusalem Planning Committee regarding the future of the planned expansion, United States Middle East Envoy George Mitchell asked Yitzhak Molcho, a representative of Prime Minister Netanyahu's government, that Israel halt the construction in Gilo.  Mitchell's request was rebuffed by the Prime Minister.

Mayor Barkat expressed his displeasure with the United States' request to stop building in Jerusalem, and pledged to permit and support new construction in all areas of Jerusalem for Jews, Muslims, and Christians.  "Israeli law does not discriminate between Jews and Arabs or between east and west of the city," said Mayor Barkat.  "The demand to specifically halt construction for Jews is not legal in the U.S. or in any other enlightened country in the world.  It is inconceivable that the U.S. government would demand a construction freeze in the U.S. based on race, religion or gender, and the attempt to demand this from Jerusalem constitutes a double standard and is unacceptable."

"We commend Prime Minister Netanyahu and Mayor Barkat for staying true to their convictions and refusing to yield to external pressure regarding the future of Jerusalem," said NCYI President Shlomo Z. Mostofsky. "There is no question that the makeup of Jerusalem must be shaped by Israeli leaders who have the city's and nation's best interests at heart.  As the eternal capital of the State of Israel, Jerusalem, with its extensive historical and religious significance, cannot and should not be divided under any circumstances."

In the wake of their support for new housing units in Jerusalem, Mostofsky also encouraged Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Israeli government to support much-needed construction of new housing units in the growing Jewish communities throughout Judea and Samaria.

The National Council of Young Israel urged people to contact Prime Minister Netanyahu and Mayor Barkat to thank them for standing together with Jerusalem and supporting Israel's capital.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu:
Email: Prime.Minister'sOffice@it.pmo.gov.il
Tel: 972.2.6705555
Fax: 972.2.5664838

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat:
Email: lishka@jerusalem.muni.il
Tel: 02-6297720
Fax: 02-6296014