He was Nir-by... Mayor Nir Barkat not only serves the city without any financial compensation – he has given up his salary – but he is now also fighting terrorists. On Sunday evening while driving in his jeep near Safra Square, he saw someone stabbing a pedestrian. He jumped out of the vehicle and overcame the young Arab resident who had just stabbed the man. Barkat said it was a joint effort with his bodyguard, who pointed his gun at the aggressor, who immediately dropped his knife, thus enabling the mayor to subdue him. Bottom line: one moderately wounded citizen and one heroic mayor. The young Arab was handed over to the police. On your marks, get set... The fifth International Winner Marathon will take place on March 13. What began five years ago as an almost spontaneous idea of the mayor – himself a marathon runner – has become an institution, drawing positive attention (even though its route, which traverses the Green Line sparked political criticism, mainly in Europe) and attracting runners and tourists alike. This year, some 25,000 participants from 60 countries are expected to run through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the city in what is considered one of the most difficult marathons because of the many hills on its route. At least 60 TV crews will cover the marathon and air it on international networks, presenting a very different – and beautiful – image of the city to viewers and sports aficionados worldwide. Each year, the Jerusalem Marathon offers new programs and initiatives. This year, there will be a family path, the brainchild of city council member Hanan Rubin (Hitorerut), the father of six. The twokilometer course enables children (including toddlers), parents, and grandparents to participate in the fun of the marathon. The marathon is also a great social initiative. Some 28 nonprofit organizations will run in the race, garnering support from the public for their efforts to improve the lives of thousands of people with special needs. Before the marathon, there will be a large sports exhibition at the Jerusalem International Convention Center, “Expo 2015,” in which all manner of devices and sports equipment will be on display. Pooling our resources The lack of a seashore in the holy city should not cause despair among water lovers. Within the next year, the capital will have new swimming pools in East Talpiot, Pisgat Ze'ev, Ramot, Har Nof and Beit Hanina and a complete renovation of the pool in the German Colony, all approved and financed by the 2015 budget. In addition, there is a plan to install an Olympic-size pool in the sports complex next to the Arena. Each pool will cost between NIS 35 million and NIS 40m. The project has been made possible thanks to the contributions of Mifal Hapayis, the Jerusalem Foundation, the Housing Ministry and the Israel Lands Authority. The pools are another brick in the construction of a new image for the city – Jerusalem as a sports capital, according to the mayor's vision. A house in the city More people are buying housing properties in Jerusalem. According to the recent data published by the Treasury, there was an 11.8 percent increase in the purchase of housing in the last quarter of 2014. Some 692 apartments and houses were sold between October and December of 2014, an increase of 11.8% compared to the previous three months. The main reason the Finance Ministry gave for the increase is the cancellation of the proposed 0% VAT. Many young couples had refrained from buying apartments, as they were expecting the project to be implemented. Once it was canceled, buyers purchased property as quickly as possible to avoid a future rise in prices. The last three months of 2014 were a peak in buying and selling new apartments (here and in the whole country) that hadn't been achieved in the past 13 years. Open House battles A panel at this week's Arutz Sheva-sponsored Jerusalem Conference that was to address “conversion therapy” was retitled “Dealing with homosexuality in religious society” and a speaker opposing the controversial approach to “curing” homosexuals was added to the panel. The change was made after criticism and pressure from LGBT activists and political leaders. Members of the Jerusalem Open House, who were initially refused tickets to the event – officially because there was concern they would disrupt the debate, but according to Open House director Elinor Sidi because they asked to display the community's rainbow flags – were allowed to attend the debate. Victory in Ein Kerem Good news for the residents of Ein Kerem, who objected to the construction of a large hotel on the grounds of Mary's Well in the heart of the village. The Supreme Court issued a ruling on Monday, sending the whole project into a new debate and presentation at the District Planning and Construction Committee. In so doing, the residents who objected to the project hope it will now be canceled or reduced in such a way that it will not harm the location, which is an important holy site for Christians. The residents' committee for the preservation of the village's special historical sites hopes that now that Ein Kerem is on the UNESCO list of new sites for preservation, it will be easier to cancel or reduce the hotel project, as well as other projects that could damage the special atmosphere of the village. Among the opponents to the project are representatives of the country's various Christian communities. Cultural education On Monday, Deputy Mayor Ofer Berkovitch inaugurated a new program for elementary schools: access to culture. Some NIS 3 million has been allocated – at the first stage – for the program, and the funds will be equally distributed among the public, haredi and Arab sectors. The Kumkum Theater for children was the first to launch the program this week at the girls' public school in Sur Bahir (which belongs to the municipality's education administration). The play, in both Hebrew and Arabic, was a hit with the pupils. It took place at the community center, a new building inaugurated six months ago. More cultural events are scheduled there for all the public elementary schools in the neighborhood. No strike today At the end of a week-long strike at the Wadi Joz branch of the Interior Ministry, the employees and the administration reached an agreement, approved by the Histadrut. The employees went on strike following the ministry's decision to cut the additional hour's payment they were receiving as “danger pay” because of their work in the Arab sector. For the moment, the payment has been restored, and negotiations regarding the employees' working conditions will be held soon between the parties. The strike created difficulties for the city's Arab residents, who do not have Israeli passports. Their status is that of permanent residents; but for any trip outside the country, they require a laissez-passer, which is provided only by the Wadi Joz branch of the Interior Ministry. Open space for peace What can be done to create a more tolerant Jerusalem? There have been various initiatives in response to the violent events of last summer and fall, in most cases as a result of spontaneous actions by residents. One such initiative is organized on behalf of the Jerusalem Intercultural Center, with the participation of several activists and social groups. The second meeting of the plan will take place on March 2 at the YMCA on King David Street. According to the organizers, the gathering, called Open Space, will enable participants to exchange ideas, proposals and experiences to promote a more tolerant city – to help create a public space that will be Jerusalemite, tolerant, inclusive and enable people of different creeds to live together. More at talkkligman@jicc.org.il
Mayor Nir Barkat with his bodyguard.(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)