J'lem Mayor-elect calls on group of US Jewish leaders to commit themselves to helping turn capital into Israel's richest city.
By ETGAR LEFKOVITSbarkat kotel check caption 248(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski)
Jerusalem Mayor-elect Nir Barkat called on a group of thousands of North American Jewish leaders Monday to commit themselves to helping turn the capital into Israel's richest city.
"Jerusalem must become a destination not just for the tens of millions of tourists who wish to visit its historical landmarks, but a destination for those who wish to find good jobs, affordable housing, top-notch education and a city that manages everything from traffic to garbage in an efficient and businesslike manner," Barkat told the General Assembly of the United Jewish Communities.
"Every Jew in the world is a 'share-holder' of Jerusalem," he said.
During his speech, which was given at a plenary that also featured President Shimon Peres and Samuel Bronfman Foundation scion Adam Bronfman, Barkat gave a taste of why social service advocates are behind him when he described the Israel he wants to see:
"We must not accept the fact that Jerusalem is the poorest city in the country. We must work hard to make it rich in industry, culture and jobs," he said. "It must be built from the bottom up, with a new approach job creation, expansion of tourism, potential and human resource potential. Jerusalem must stand on its own two feet, not just for the tens of thousands of tourists who visit it, but for those who want to find good jobs and affordable education."
JTA contributed to this report.
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