From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, February 8, 2022
Protesters rally against planned road through Jerusalem nature spot
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleSue Surkes is The Times of Israel's environment reporter
Demonstrators have gathered outside a meeting of the district planning committee in Jerusalem while it discusses construction of a massive two-level highway with tunnels at the Ora junction adjacent to Jerusalem.
The highway would pave the way for construction of more than 5,000 residential units on a ridge on the southwest edge of the capital called Reches Lavan, or White Ridge.
The protesters fear the road will be just the first stage in a ring road that will cut through the Jerusalem hills, destroying forests and wildlife, and damaging an important ecological corridor that allows animals to move around between built-up areas.
The area, near the city’s zoo, is popular with hikers and home to Ein Lavan, a popular natural spring and pool.
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