MK proposes bill to strengthen capital's Jewish demographics

Not enough Jews in Jerusalem? New bill suggests reinforcing Israel's capital with communities in Jerusalem's surrounding area
Amnon Meranda

What can be done to maintain a Jewish majority in Jerusalem? Likud MK Yisrael Katz has proposed a new bill to help sustain Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

The bill came after Ynet reported last week that the Arab population in Jerusalem was growing twice as fast as the Jewish one, and after Uri Lupolianski, Jerusalem's mayor, said on Sunday that Hamas could demographically take over the city within 12 years.

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According to the bill, residents of communities surrounding Jerusalem would be granted double municipal voting rights, one in their own community and one for the mayor and municipality of Jerusalem.

Katz explained that according to his proposal, all of the local councils in the Jerusalem vicinity would remain autonomous, but would combine into Greater Jerusalem.

"Metropolitan Jerusalem's aim is to strengthen the city, provide benefits to investors and discounts for young couples purchasing apartments, and of course, enhance Jerusalem's status as the capital of the Jewish nation," said Katz.

Monday, the Knesset is scheduled to hold ceremonies to commemorate 40 years since the unification of Jerusalem. Katz decided that this was the best time to introduce his bill.

"With Jerusalem Day celebrations in the background, and foreign diplomats boycotting the official ceremony at the Knesset, it is symbolic that such a proposal be made," he said.

"The bill has declarative and practical import in strengthening the status of Jerusalem, within Israel and around the world," he stated.

Katz told Ynet that "in the last few years, with demographic changes and weak policies, Jerusalem's status, as the most important city in Israel, has diminished. Strong populations have been leaving the city for coastal towns.

"Israel does not have an appropriate response to the Palestinian determination to rule Jerusalem and the holy places. My bill will restore Jerusalem as a symbol for and the heart of the Jewish people," he affirmed.