Degel Hatorah leader in Knesset MK Moshe Gafne sent a letter to Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat in which he accuses him of bad policies as he points out to him conditions for girls in the Beis Yaakov in Bayit Vegan are similar to a ghetto.

In the letter dated 17 Elul, Gafne explains the Beis Yaakov of Chinuch Atzmai in Bayit Behan is home to 1,850 students and the building has only one entrance and exit, which poses a serious safety hazard. He explains “yesterday a girl fell at the gate and she was almost trampled by the many girls and parents but she was assisted at the last moment”.

He explains the opening of another gate demands a budget for an additional security guard and the school does not have the money. He adds that regulations demand an additional gate due to the number of girls attending the school and this is despite the fact that conditions are unbearable and far from learning in an acceptable atmosphere.

“Nevertheless, because of your bad policies that permit bringing girls from other neighborhoods to the school; Givat Mordechai, Kiryat Yovel, and the entire surrounding area close and far, it appears the main goal is not to build another school but to push everyone into Bayit Vegan as a ghetto”.

“I appeal to your Mr. Mayor, please rethink your policy that has completely failed. Open another gate and additional security guard, arrange a venue for playing games and permit these students until a new school is opened to learn in a safe orderly fashion and not like a Third World country”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)