Mini Israel comes to Manhattan
Israeli entrepreneur brings the large-scale, miniature model of Jerusalem and other world cities to the heart of Manhattan; models part of project called 'Gulliver's Gate' and hopes to attract a million visitors a year.
The model of Jerusalem is part of Gazit's $40 million project called "Gulliver's Gate," which includes meticulous miniature models of other world cities. The expansive project takes up 5,000 square meters in total, 10% of which is dedicated to the city of Jerusalem.
The Jerusalem model was built in Israel at a cost of $1.2 million. It includes the Old City, the city center, Yad Vashem, the String Bridge, the Knesset, the Supreme Court and even the famous statue of the "monster" of Kiryat HaYovel.
The hope is that the model will help encourage tourism to the Holy City. Gazit hopes that Gulliver's Gate will also attract around a million visitors a year, with each ticket costing $30.
"This is a natural continuation of Mini Israel," said Gazit, who also explained that each city was created in its home country before being transported to New York by an Israeli company.
The area upon which Gulliver's Gate will stand has its own "Jewish history," as it were. The property once belonged to Haredi billionaire Lev Leviev, before eventually being acquired by none other than Jared Kushner.
According to Gazit, the establishment of the project in the United States was much easier and more pleasant than in Israel, where bureaucratic difficulties delayed previous projects of his, including Mini Israel.
"In New York, they understand that such an initiative brings jobs and contributes to the municipal budget through taxation. Everyone earns. It's a partnership. Here, in contrast to Israel, the clerks serve the citizen and not the opposite."
