New security measures cause drop in terror activity in Jerusalem

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat announces aid package and marketing campaign to benefit Jerusalem businesses hit by terror wave.

By DANIEL K. EISENBUD
Updated: OCTOBER 21, 2015 10:49
Israel authorises sealing off East Jerusalem quarters in bid to quell violence
Violence in the capital had abated significantly by Tuesday after police set up multiple roadblocks and heavily armed checkpoints, coupled with intensive spot checks, in east Jerusalem Arab neighborhoods.
Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said roadblocks placed over the past several days in Jebl Mukaber, Shuafat, Silwan, Ras el-Amud and Isawiya have been instrumental in stymieing further terrorist activity.
“The results of our emphasis on roadblocks and checkpoints throughout the capital can be felt on the ground,” Rosenfeld said on Tuesday.
“Border Police are carrying out intensive spot checks in different Arab neighborhoods to find potential terrorists and prevent them from coming into west Jerusalem.
More roadblocks and security measures will continue for as long as there is a threat of terrorist attacks.”
Rosenfeld said nearly 5,000 officers from a range of units, assisted by hundreds of soldiers, have apprehended 490 Arab suspects since the terrorism wave began in the city at the beginning of the month.
Citing acting police commissioner Asst.-Ch. Bentzi Sau’s Tuesday announcement that police expect to make hundreds of more arrests in east Jerusalem after forming six task forces with the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), Rosenfeld said the ongoing zero-tolerance strategy has finally leveled the playing field.
“Thousands of police officers are leaving nothing to chance and will arrest all suspects who attempt to carry out attacks and disturbances until order is restored,” he said.
Campaign to aid Jerusalem's economy
Meanwhile, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat announced on Tuesday that a NIS 5 million aid package and marketing campaign has been formulated by the municipality to assist Jerusalem business owners devastated by the city’s terror wave.
Barkat said the campaign will include billboards, publications in newspapers, online ads and social networks to encourage visitors to come to the city and spend money at hotels, restaurants, shops, and other businesses that have lost substantial revenue since violence engulfed the capital. 
“I directed the creation of an assistance package for businesses in Jerusalem to help them to get back on their feet during this difficult period,” he said in a statement, adding that he has requested more government aid.
 
“I call on all the people of Israel to come to Jerusalem, buy in Jerusalem to strengthen us, and together I am sure we will overcome this period and Jerusalem will continue to flourish.”
The mayor initiated a similar campaign last summer to buttress struggling businesses during Operation Protective Edge in Gaza.
Additionally, Barkat said that pending a city council vote, business owners will be exempt from paying municipal fees next month.