J'lem deputy mayor endorses Jewish presence in Sheikh Jarrah
David Hadari, close associate of Mayor Barkat, tours east Jerusalem neighborhood, expresses support of Jewish residents
During a tour of the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheik Jarrah Hadari was briefed on the expected arrival of Jewish families to the neighborhood and expressed sympathy in the face of "leftist relentless harassment." Weekly protests are being held in the neighborhood in recent months against the court-ordered arrival of Jewish residents in the area.
During a conversation with Ynet, Hadari confirmed the municipality's plan to "realize the Jewish ownership" in the area. "I came to support the residents; of course I'm there to help them. As deputy mayor I will do everything to promote the neighborhood as part of Jerusalem." Hadari noted that Mayor Barkat also endorses Jewish presence "anywhere in Jerusalem."
The deputy mayor further noted that Jews have been buying land in the Simon the Just neighborhood, "which some call Sheikh Jarrah," since 1888 and that it was under Jewish ownership until 1948.
"With the establishment of the State of Israel the Jordanian guardian took ownership and in 1967, with the liberation of Jerusalem, the Israeli guardian received the lands."
He stressed that throughout the years, lands and houses were owned by Jews and that in 1967 it was decided that Arab residents will pay rent to the Jewish owners.
"This had been the way until two-three years ago when, with the emergence of nationalism, it was suddenly decided to stop the rent payment. They went to court and were eventually rejected."
