Northern Israel Haredi Communities Honor Former MK Uri Maklev

The Rekhasim local council held a special session on Wednesday evening to honor former Knesset Member Uri Maklev for his contributions to the northern region. The event, hosted by Council Head Yitzhak Reich, saw participation from council members of various factions and representatives of the Degel HaTorah party from northern cities. The attendees expressed gratitude to Maklev for his dedicated work, highlighting his focus on the periphery and his efforts in the Ministry of Transportation to support young Haredi families settling in the North. They noted his attention to the specific needs of the communities and his success in translating those needs into practical daily services.

Maklev, in turn, praised the efforts of Degel HaTorah representatives in the North, describing the improvements in transportation services as a significant advancement achieved after extensive work. He stated that the guiding principle was to align service additions with residents' needs. This led to services previously operating only on weekends now running daily, with increased frequency and adjusted timings, including direct routes and upgraded service to Jerusalem. Maklev mentioned that the entire process took approximately two years to implement.

He particularly emphasized the strengthened connection between four communities: Haifa, Kiryat Ata, Karmiel, and Rekhasim. Maklev explained that the improved transportation links would allow residents to travel between these communities more quickly and conveniently, addressing educational, employment, and community needs, and boosting economic activity, especially in Rekhasim, which is expected to double its population and become a central city.

Tangible improvements include expanded daily bus service to Bnei Brak for Rekhasim, approximately 160 weekly trips, and a direct line connecting Rekhasim to Kiryat Ata and Karmiel. Service to Jerusalem will operate with two complementary lines. Kiryat Ata will see its Jerusalem service increase to 39 weekly trips and gain a direct line to Bnei Brak via Rekhasim. Karmiel's service to Bnei Brak will be reinforced, with a weekend route via Highway 6. Maklev indicated that further enhancements are in progress, including the final approval stages for increased routes between Kiryat Ata and Rekhasim, extended to the Shavit neighborhood, and an advanced approval process for a new route connecting Rekhasim to Hadar and Neve Sha'anan in Haifa.

As Maklev concludes his tenure in the Knesset, the Rekhasim gathering served as an opportunity for public representatives in the North to reflect on their collaborative work. The council head and representatives presented Maklev with a symbolic gift: a branded bus bearing his name, signifying the council's appreciation for his work in improving daily transportation services for the growing communities in the region.