Jerusalem�s downtown area merchants have decided to stop seeking an understanding ear in City Hall regarding their basic rights and this week, they headed out to protest.
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Eli Levy, who heads the organization representing the merchants� downtown, including Machane Yehuda, announced a major protest rally is planned to express their unwillingness to continue under present condition resulting from ongoing construction of the light railway system.
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The merchants association explains they have had their fill of promises from City Hall and the national government, and the time has come to see results � insisting a solution must be found regarding the conditions on Jaffe Street. Levy explains the ongoing construction has all but eliminated access to many area stores, with many businesses suffering as a result.
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The merchants association is requesting that during the construction period, annual arnona property tax be canceled; to implement changes in bus routes and schedules to accommodate shoppers; and to modify work hours to permit shoppers to access area stores without encountering tractors and construction equipment.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)