Jerusalem Municipality Cancels Plan to Convert Historic Bikur Holim Building into Haredi School

The Jerusalem Municipality announced on Thursday that the historic eastern building of the Bikur Holim complex on HaNevi'im Street will not be converted into a Haredi girls' school. This decision followed a legal and planning review and public criticism regarding the proposed educational use of the building. According to a letter from the municipality's legal advisor, Attorney Chaim Nergasi, to the Council for the Preservation of Heritage Sites, the eastern building is a historically and architecturally significant monument and is therefore not designated for educational use at this time.

The municipality emphasized that preserving the building's heritage and historical values remains a top priority, and any temporary educational use will be limited to the western building of the complex, which has previously been adapted for educational purposes under the supervision of the municipal preservation department. Future plans for the Bikur Holim complex do not include an educational institution but instead envision a broad development with various public uses that respect the historical structures and their heritage.

Built in the early 20th century, the Bikur Holim building is one of Jerusalem's 110 major historic buildings and enjoys planning protection under the city's preservation programs. The current zoning plan designates the building for public uses such as medical centers, commerce, cultural venues, restaurants, cafes, galleries, and offices, with no explicit provision for educational institutions.