NIS 50 million elevator to the Western Wall
From the Jewish quarter to the holy site at the press of a button: The cabinet is expected to approve the construction of an elevator that will grant access to the Western Wall for people with disabilities and the elderly.
The government is expected to approve next week a plan for the construction of an elevator leading from Misgav Ladakh Street in Jerusalem's Old City's Jewish Quarter to the Western Wall at an estimated cost of NIS 50 million.
Included in the plan is the construction of a 65-meter pedestrian tunnel connecting the exit from the elevator to the security checkpoint at the Western Wall Plaza. The ground floor, which has a planned surface area of 158 square meters, will be lined with shops.
In the future, with the construction of an underground railway station to the Western Wall, escalators will be installed leading to the railway station. As part of the project, an additional floor with an area of 335 square meters will be built above the entrance level that will include a hall for activities and conferences.
The project will be implemented through the Ministry of Construction and Housing's Company for the Reconstruction and Development of the Jewish Quarter in the Old City of Jerusalem. The company may also be responsible for maintenance of the elevator.
The project will be defined as a "national accessibility project" since it will also allow people with disabilities to easily reach the holy site. The project was initiated by Housing and Construction Minister Yoav Galant, his deputy Jackie Levy and Tourism Minister Yariv Levin. Most of the project will be financed from the budgets of their ministries.
Galant commented: "When there are those who are trying to undermine the relevance of the (Western) Wall to the Jewish people and Israeli sovereignty, my friends and I are proud to lead the process of strengthening the presence of all Jews in this holy place, including the disabled, the handicapped and the elderly."
Levin added that the elevator "will make the tourism experience in the city comfortable and enjoyable."
(Translated and edited by J. Herzog)
