2005-09-22-ethiopian_settlements_in

By Ira Sharkansky

How is this (the attachment) as a cover picture for a book a colleague and I are writing, Politics and Planning in the Holy City?

This is part of what is left from caravans (trailers) located on a site called "Givat Hamatos" to house some of the second wave of Ethiopian immigrants. The immigration began with a first wave in the early 1980s, thanks to a campaign by socially aware American Jews, who felt it important to move Ethiopia's Jewish community to Israel. Two large movements appeared to emotional welcomes, along with sentiments that the people be settled in someone else's neighborhood.

Jerusalem was no more enthusiastic than other cities to take its share of Ethiopians, but the pressure mounted. Municipal planners suggested a location in the new neighborhood of Pisgat Ze'ev, but residents offered several reasons why it was not suitable. They suggested alternative sites in the upper income neighborhoods of Rehavia and Beit Hakerem.

Givat Hamatos was an empty hillside, cold and windswept in the winter, in the far south of the municipal area. It was close to the Arab cities of Bethlehem and Beit Jallah, and included a mine field left over from a previous war. No one could complain that housing for immigrants would cause a drop in their property value.

The Ministry of Construction and Housing began locating caravans there in 1991. The municipality balked, claiming that the area would quickly become a slum. This delayed things, but in August 1992 families began moving in. The Ministry earmarked 100 caravans for immigrants from

Ethiopia

, 250 for immigrants from the former Soviet Union , and another 250 for homeless Israelis. In addition, the Ministry also offered 50 caravans to the families of police officers, presumably to keep the place orderly. The municipality insisted on three kindergartens, two day-care centers, two synagogues, a club for youths, adults and the elderly, a health clinic, plus sidewalks, lighting, playgrounds, laundry facilities, an office of the Immigration and Absorption Ministry, an employment office, and a contingent of social workers.

In June, 2000 the Ministry of Construction and Housing and the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption announced its intention to empty the location by the end of the year. Five years later, the Ministry said again that it would close the site by the end of the year.

There is a plan to develop a large hotel and upscale apartments. What was once viewed as a remote and undesirable area suitable for immigrants is now perceived as a sizable hilltop with a stunning view of Jerusalem . The Ethiopians and Russians have gone elsewhere. The few residents that remain seem to be veteran Israelis, perhaps left over from the homeless families who received caravans a decade ago as a concession to those who demanded a social program more extensive than the housing of immigrants. There are about 20 caravans spread over the entire site. Some are dilapidated and empty. Others have reinforced siding and attached rooms, fashioned with plywood and plastic. A number have satellite dishes. Israeli rules make it difficult to remove existing residents, even for the sake of improvements with social or economic benefits. Remaining residents are demanding more than the municipality is offering by way of housing and compensation. Until they are satisfied, there is not likely to be any new development. The present view may still be available for your next visit.

Sharkansky is a member of the political science department at Hebrew University in Jerusalem