Country: Israel
1 June 2009
The office of Jerusalem’s mayor, Nir Barkat, this morning contacted Homes Overseas in response to an online report we published last week – Home Destruction orders rise in East Jerusalem.
We claimed that the volume of demolition orders issued in the Arab section of East Jerusalem, Israel, during the mayor’s first six moths in office had risen.
Citing data released by the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, we reported that in excess of 1,000 new demolition orders had been issued so far during Barkat's short tenure, despite calls from the United Nations (UN) to cease destroying homes.
But, the mayor’s office insists that the figure quoted is incorrect.
Stephan Miller, aide to the mayor, told www.homesoverseas.co.uk: “As of 31May 2009, less than 100 demolition orders have been issued to buildings throughout all of Jerusalem.”
A press statement from the mayor's office added: "Mayor Barkat, in just six months in office, has made it his mission to open up Jerusalem for the world to enjoy. The heritage and history, combined with the rich culture of Jerusalem, offer a one of a kind location for the world to enjoy. Just last month, Mayor Barkat met with Pope Benedict the 16th and called upon every person of faith around the world to visit Jerusalem at least once in their life time. He has set a goal to increase Jerusalem's annual tourists from less than 2 million visitors a year to 10 million in 10 years. Mayor Barkat is working tirelessly to return Jerusalem to the top of the global map - both to open it up for the world to enjoy and to bring lasting economic development to the residents."Illegal construction is illegal construction and unfortunately, a small number of residents of Jerusalem build illegally. Mayor Barkat is committed to upholding the rule of law, while streamlining the listening and permit process to ensure better planning and construction throughout the city."
