Minister of Jerusalem Affairs Ze’ev Elkin participated in a meeting addressing the worrisome security situation in the capital. Also present for the meeting were Jerusalem Councilmen Aryeh King and Yitzchak Pindrus. They discussed the situation in neighborhoods such as Maale Zeitim and Ir David as well as the feeling of a lack of security that prevails among many living in and visiting the capital and the Old City in particular.

They addressed the fact that police too often close roads without any advanced warning and the lack of response from senior police commanders in the capital, who failed to properly address the mounting Arab violence during the months of Elul and Tishrei. A representative of the city’s Residents Committee presented Elkin with the facts and fears conveyed to him from residents.

Minister Elkin stated he will do his utmost to permit Jerusalemites and visitors to the city to travel in safety, to visit the city and Old City, and to restore the feeling of security that many have lost. Elkin shared details of the plans to improve the situation in the Old City towards ensuring the safety of visitors and mispallalim heading to and from the Kosel. This includes refurbishing Chaggai Street in the so-called Muslim Quarter, the street that heads to the Kosel. Elkin explained when streets appear abandoned and run down, this too contributes to a loss of a feeling of security and they are working to reverse this by refurbishing Chaggai Street and taking other measures.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)