This week in Jerusalem

Stinky affair Police sources reveal that the decision to use skunk spray during the Jerusalem Faction protests last month was a difficult one. Although the aggressively malodorous spray helps to control large numbers of uncooperative demonstrators, its stench persists for several days after its use and adheres to the clothes and hair of innocent passersby. Nevertheless, the tactic was utilized twice in the last two weeks at two of the rowdiest demonstrations of the radical Jerusalem Faction against drafting young yeshiva students in to the IDF (though they receive exemptions, they object to having to enter the IDF Recruitment Office to make it official). Until now, the skunk spray has been used primarily in the city's more distant Arab neighborhoods, not in popular tourist areas. At both sites at the entrance of the city where the skunk spray was used against haredi protesters, the offensive smell continues to be very strong – to the ongoing displeasure of residents and visitors. Tourists expect a less foul and more fragrant welcome to the Holy City. Use of the spray has been denounced by human rights associations, arguing that in addition to smelling bad, it may be harmful to the respiratory systems of toddlers and seniors. Real option or gimmick? Toward the end of last week, a new name was added to the list of mayoral candidates. Yehuda Meshi-Zahav, once a major figure in the street fights between haredim and seculars in the city, and today a popular personality liked by almost all parts of society, might become the seventh candidate within a few weeks. Meshi-Zahav's candidacy could be a replay of what worked for the haredi sector in 2003, when Uri Lupolianski, whose name was mostly associated with his charity activities (Yad Sarah) was not considered a threat to the pluralist sector yet won the elections. Meshi-Zahav, while still a part of the Hassidic sector, is known and liked by the public at large – here again, thanks to his work with ZAKA rescue and recovery organization. Add the fact that two of his sons serve in prestigious units in the IDF, and he could garner broad-based support. However, the real reason behind this apparent move, which Meshi-Zahav himself hasn't yet confirmed, may be not an attempt to unite all sectors behind an accepted candidate, but an elegant way to pass on a message to other candidates who might consider themselves the designated heir of Mayor Nir Barkat – such as Moshe Lion or Meir Turgeman, both close to the mayor. The heart of the matter Lack of confidence is a major problem when it comes to the relations between residents and elected representatives. The Barkat Plan to redistribute educational institutions and structures between the haredi and “pluralist” sectors hasn't been embraced by secular residents, especially those of Kiryat Hayovel neighborhood. The main complaint was that the plan is good for the haredim and bad for the rest of the population. Now a new element has added tension with the construction in progress on a haredi institution in Kiryat Hayovel. The residents are angrily accusing the haredim of violating the already bad agreement – that no haredi schools will open inside the secular neighborhood – while from the mayor's office the response is that this new structure is actually implementing the terms of the plan. Neighbors to the construction say that this is a school for haredi students, while the position of the municipality and Barkat is that this is a Talmud Torah (a kindergarten for young haredi children) – exactly the kind of institution allowed according to the plan – but anger and suspicion are growing. When we see the age of the haredi students who will soon begin using the new building, we will know whether today's suspicion reflects a lack of confidence or a deviation from the plan. Don't rain on my parade The last monthly meeting of the city council was rather stormy and ended up, for the first time in this council's history, in a decision to move its meetings out of the major hall to exclude the public. The meeting's agenda included approval of the recent decision of the Finance Commission, which allocated funds for a large parking area for inside the prestigious Mishkenei Ha'uma neighborhood. Unsurprisingly, the residents oppose the idea, which they feel will create noise, pollution and turmoil that will degrade their quality of life. Since the president of the Finance Commission is a strong Barkat ally, there was no particular problem approving the budget, but then came the ultimate stop – the council, and things didn't go as smoothly. Residents of the neighborhood, with the support of the members of the opposition, managed to suspend the debate for a while. Barkat's reaction was rather extreme – he simply moved the session to another hall where the public was not allowed. Fleur Hassan-Nahoum (Yerushalmim) said, “Barkat has crossed all red lines this time by avoiding the legitimate protest of the residents.” Looking up Following more than a decade of talks, debates and plans for a vast pinui-binui (evacuation-construction) project in the city, the president of the local planning and construction committee this week signed the official approval of the first such project – located off Herzl Boulevard, in Kiryat Moshe. What was once known as the “Hamekasher Compound” in that neighborhood will soon transform into a large housing project. Two 24-story towers with 230 units will replace the six small buildings there now. The project will include public venues, kindergartens and open spaces. Work on the first tower, with 126 apartments, will start shortly. Getting involved Starting this year, all 10th-grade students in the city's schools will be involved in special 10-hour training courses to prepare them to act quickly and effectively in a range of emergency situations. Conceived and led by Manhi, the municipal education administration, the course is part of “A City without Violence” – a national project initiated by the Israel Police to reduce violence among youth by increasing community involvement. Energy revolution The first 10 buses operating on clean energy are on their way to the capital, subsidized by the Environment Ministry, to reduce the pollution in the city. While almost all buses – public and private – in the country burn highly polluting diesel fuel, the ministry is encouraging a move to replace many of them with electric buses. A special sum of NIS 4m. has been allocated by the ministry for transport companies to ease the process of moving to electric power. The 10 electric buses soon to make their appearance in Jerusalem will join some 60 such vehicles already operating in the country, all acquired with support from the ministry and Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund. Not enough For the city's parents' association, the billion-shekel loan taken by the municipality to build 1,000 classrooms is good, but not enough. The association, which submitted an appeal to the High Court, estimates that the city lacks 4,000 classrooms in all the sectors of the population throughout the city. Although the loan will solve about a quarter of the problem, there is an urgent need for a more comprehensive solution. The association calls on the government to provide the means to build the other 3,000 classrooms needed. The next hearing on the matter at the High Court is scheduled for January 15. Adv. Ronen Weinberg, who represents the association, says that he expects the court to “help the government to understand that it is its duty to invest money and not only words in education.” The journey continues Masa Israel – a joint project of the government of Israel, the Jewish Agency for Israel and its partners, the Jewish Federations of North America and Keren Hayesod–United Israel Appeal – aims to reach young adults from the Jewish world and from Israel and get them involved together. This year's leadership program ended yesterday with a gathering of all participants in Jerusalem. Following an intensive five-day leadership training conference, some 150 participants from a range of Masa programs came together at the Yehuda Hotel for a week of learning. Program topics included adaptive leadership; building a global network and community of Masa leadership activists; meeting key change-makers from Israeli society and the Jewish world; and working on core local and global challenges. There were opportunities for participants to present their own leadership work, and a Gala event at the Israel Museum. In addition to the meetings, there were also job opportunities to check out for after the Masa experience ends.

This week in Jerusalem

Peggy Cidor’s round-up of city affairs

Jewish, Arab Israeli activists launch 'Hasbara' flotilla

Gaza land convoy stalls in Sirte after failed attempt

This week in Jerusalem

Peggy Cidor’s round-up of city affairs

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