Zionist group: State's demolition policy is biased against Jews - Yori Yalon

by Yori Yalon

Head of policy at Regavim Meir Deutsch: There is no precedent for the state razing a religious structure, except in the Jewish sector • Activists barricaded in Ayelet Hashachar Synagogue in Givat Ze'ev promise "steadfast" fight against demolition forces.

Activists dance outside the Givat Ze'ev synagogue slated for demolition | Photo credit: Miri Tzahi

A ruling by the High Court of Justice that the Ayelet Hashachar Synagogue in Givat Ze'ev must be demolished by next Tuesday is a clear case of "selective enforcement," says Meir Deutsch, who heads the policy department of Regavim, a group that advocates for Zionist land policy.

"There is no precedent for the State of Israel razing a religious structure, except in the Jewish sector. ... There are hundreds of mosques that were built illegally, some on land privately owned by Jews. Not only does the State of Israel not enforce the law when it comes to them, this past year some 50 mosques and other religious buildings that were constructed illegally have been deemed legitimate," Deutsch said. 

Deutsch argued that "in the Arab sector there are hundreds or even thousands of structures against which judicial demolition orders have been issued in recent years, but for years not one of those buildings has been razed, because the police aren't ready to assist the enforcement entities. An entire sector can't enjoy immunity when the law isn't enforced equally." 

Over the Sabbath, dozens of worshippers remained in the Ayelet Hashachar synagogue. On Saturday evening they were joined by other civilians, who were preparing to face off with the demolition forces when they arrive. 

Yehuda Puah, spokesman for the group of activists who are battling to prevent the demolition, said, "We're sleeping in the synagogue, and there are barricades around it, as well as tires, to prevent access and hold up the demolition and evacuation forces. We will fight steadfastly. We don't mean to give up. Until the High Court reveals who owns the land [on which the synagogue is built], the use of the term 'private land' is ridiculous."

Yori Yalon

Source: http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=29517

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