Jerusalem Mayor Denies City is Becoming More Haredi

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion has rejected claims that the city is becoming increasingly Haredi, asserting that the status quo is being maintained and that he has not closed any roads on Shabbat during his tenure. In a special interview with 'Kikar HaShabbat,' Lion stated that Jerusalem is not becoming more Haredi and is instead improving and becoming more attractive for all residents, including secular and religious Zionists.

Lion also addressed the controversial light rail project on Bar Ilan Street, calling the opposition a "chaos" caused by external factors that resulted in hundreds of millions of shekels in damages. He committed to the line becoming operational within the next year.

During the interview, the mayor also shared personal reflections, expressing grief over the recent passing of his father and excitement about the large crowds attending Selichot (penitential prayers) services at the Western Wall. He also highlighted the resolution of a near-complete crisis in seminar registrations for approximately 300,000 students, with 99% of issues resolved.

Lion also commented on the dramatic ousting of his close friend, MK Moshe Gafni, from his position as chairman of Degel HaTorah, stating that while it pains him, he respects the decision made by rabbinical leaders. He mentioned speaking with Gafni, who accepted the decision.

Regarding the Shabbat disputes, Lion emphasized that the status quo is clear to all parties and that ignoring extremist elements on both sides allows life to continue normally. He reiterated his commitment to upholding agreements between different sectors of the city.