Ir Amim vigilantly monitoring recent developments on Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif

This morning, roughly between the hours of 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, access to the Haram al-Sharif was closed to Muslim worshippers under the age of 40 at the same time a group of some 130 Jewish visitors were in the Esplanade to observe the one year anniversary of the murder of Hallel Ariel in Hebron. 

This imposition of collective restrictions follows a one hour closure of Al Aqsa several weeks ago while Police sought out suspects in a stone throwing incident, as well as a report of use of force by the Police on June 18^th.  For the last several years, Ir Amim has forcefully advocated against the use of collective restrictions based on its research demonstrating the direct correlation between sweeping age and gender based restrictions and upticks in tensions and violence, not only in the Al Aqsa Esplanade but in 2014 and 2015, throughout East Jerusalem. During this period, Police have refrained from employing both collective restrictions and use of force.

While too early to confirm, this coalescence of recent events could indicate the beginning of a gradual erosion of restraint, which would have potentially dire consequences for the city, particularly if – as in past years– there is a return to application of collective restrictions to accommodate Jewish visitors over the high holidays, beginning in September. 

All steps must be taken to ensure Muslim’s access to Al Aqsa as well as to deter the use of policies that have a demonstrably agitating effect on the city as a whole.  Ir Amim will continue to vigilantly monitor events on the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif and re-issues it recommendations for maintaining policies to support the vulnerable status quo at the site. 

Five Plans for 950 housing units in Pisgat Ze’ev on District Committee agenda

Five plans for development in Pisgat Ze'ev (PZ) coming up for approval of deposit at the District Planning & Building Committee on July 4:

• TPS 330530 HU 254  - LOCATION: Expanding Pisgat Ze’ev east toward Separation Barrier
• TPS 330506 HU 130  - LOCATION: Expanding central Pisgat Ze'ev southwards
• TPS 330498 HU 210  -LOCATION: Open enclave inside built-up area of Pisgat Ze'ev
• TPS 317149 HU 250 (elderly home) - LOCATION: Expanding " Pisgat Ze'ev West" west toward Beit Hanina
• TPS 330514 HU 104 - LOCATION: Expanding Pisgat Ze'ev east toward Separation Barrier

New building in Sheikh Jarrah in planning process

Yesterday, June 28, the Local Committee recommended a plan for a 6 story commercial building near the entrance to Sheikh Jarrah for deposit of objections at the District Committee.  The plot is located next door to the area designated for the Glassman yeshiva plan.  Ir Amim will report on any further developments in the planning system.

Please address all inquiries to:

Betty Herschman

Director of International Relations & Advocacy

Ir Amim (City of Nations/City of Peoples)

Jerusalem

betty@ir-amim.org.il

054-308-5096

www.ir-amim.org.il

Facebook: www.facebook.com/IrAmimEng

Twitter: @IrAmimAlerts