Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Accuses Council Member of Biased Enforcement Against Ultra-Orthodox Community

In a heated dispute over the allocation of the historic Bikur Holim hospital building to a Haredi educational institution, Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Yitzhak Meir Barim accused City Council member Yossi Habilio of selective enforcement targeting the ultra-Orthodox community. Barim sent a sharp letter to Habilio, claiming that while Habilio leads a public campaign against the city's decision, alleging violations of proper administration, rule of law, and public assets, he ignores similar planning issues involving non-Haredi institutions.

Barim emphasized that public criticism of municipal decisions is legitimate but must be applied uniformly. He cited the example of the old Shaare Zedek hospital building, currently used by the "Public Space" association, where he claims there are also questions about compliance with planning regulations, yet Habilio remains silent. Barim questioned whether the rule of law is enforced equally in Jerusalem or only when Haredi institutions are involved.

He warned that Habilio's selective activism raises concerns about discriminatory public enforcement and unequal treatment. Barim concluded by urging Habilio to adopt consistent standards and principles in his public work, stating, "We do not expect agreement with every city decision, but we do expect the same principles, with the same determination and standards, applied to everyone. Only then can one truly claim to defend the rule of law."