Jerusalem Community Garden Reopens After Years of Struggle
A community garden in southwest Jerusalem, known as "Bustania," is set to officially reopen during the intermediate days of Sukkot after a prolonged and challenging effort to reclaim and revitalize the space. Located in a quiet enclave between the neighborhoods of Kiryat Yovel, Ir Ganim, and Kiryat Menachem, the garden has been a symbol of hope and perseverance for local residents.
The site has a complex history, originally serving as a "ma'abara" (immigrant transit camp) after the establishment of Israel. The temporary structures, built with asbestos, led to the area being known as the "Asbestonim" neighborhood. In the 1980s, these structures were dismantled and buried, and a few years later, one of Jerusalem's first community gardens, also named "Bustania," emerged on the ruins. However, the buried asbestos began to surface, posing a health hazard.
Efforts to create a public park on the site, initially supported by KKL-JNF, involved a large-scale asbestos removal operation. The community garden section, however, was left outside this cleanup. Residents protested and petitioned, but the area was eventually cordoned off by the Ministry of Environmental Protection due to the surfacing asbestos. The "Green Jerusalem Foundation," led by Naomi Tzur, became involved in advocating for the garden's restoration.
Esther Ana, a driving force behind the garden's revival, has dedicated years to the project. She describes the garden as representing hope, especially after facing personal tragedies, including the loss of her daughter, Maya, who had special needs and utilized the garden. The garden's restoration faced further setbacks, including a significant fire that burned for three days, revealing more buried asbestos.
Last year, the Jerusalem Municipality and its subsidiary, Moriah, undertook the extensive task of removing tens of tons of asbestos. The complex process concluded six months ago, and the site received approval for use in March. Since then, residents have been actively working to reimagine and rebuild the garden, incorporating plans for a community kitchen, performance stage, library, and a greenhouse named "Hamamia" in memory of Esther's daughter.
The reopening will coincide with the "Green Inside and Out" festival, featuring various events across Jerusalem. The official launch of the revitalized Bustania garden will include workshops, a children's play, and remarks from the Mayor's office. The project is seen as a model for integrating nature and community in urban settings, fostering connection among neighbors and with the land.
