Jerusalem mayoral candidate Nir Barkat supports the building of the new Jewish neighborhood in Anata, a move opposed by the left-wing due to the location, in a predominately Arab area of the Jerusalem.

During a recent tour of the proposed site, Barkat was quoted as saying that he supports the move, explaining the neighborhood will bring a housing solution to students and young couples. His campaign has focused on the need for affordable housing in the city for the young, whom are being driven away due to climbing housing prices.

Political analysts view Barkat’s campaign as a threat to Meir Porush, the chareidi candidate, because of his outspoken opposition to the division of Yerushalayim. Many feel dati leumi voters would prefer to vote for Barkat than for another chareidi candidate.

The Anata plan calls for the allocation of 200 dunam (50 acres) to provide low-cost housing near French Hill, the campus of Hebrew University. It would also serve to strengthen the endangered Jewish presence in the area, which is falling due to the growth of the Arab areas surrounding French Hill, once viewed as an exclusive Jerusalem neighborhood.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)