A view of the mostly empty Givat Hamatos neighborhood of Jerusalem, just minutes from the city’s center. Credit: Josh Hasten.
The decision by the Israel Lands Authority last month to award contracts to several building companies allowing them to begin marketing 1,257 new housing units in Jerusalem’s 42-acre southern Jerusalem neighborhood of Givat Hamatos has been applauded by some, while also garnering international attention, including rousing condemnation from others.