Residents of the Neve Shamir neighborhood say: “We are a neighborhood built 4 years ago, and public services still haven’t opened for us. Don’t burden us with another 900 residents!” ‼‼
Residents of Ramat Beit Shemesh Heh are outraged, launching a petition against the destructive plan that will ruin their neighborhood. After four years of development, it remains under construction, with residents living in poor conditions. Now, the plan proposes adding 900 housing units and commercial buildings, which will overload the neighborhood further.
Residents of Ramat Heh, also known as Neve Shamir, demonstrate more foresight than those of Ramat Dalet. What a shame.
This article will discuss two shocking issues happening in Beit Shemesh.
Buy cheap land, exploit the system, and profit at residents’ expense
This is a disturbing trend spreading across several areas in the city. Developers purchase discounted land in Ramat Dalet (sections 1–5) and Ramat Heh, originally designated for senior housing. Through strategic zoning changes, they receive approvals to build apartment buildings for dozens of families. This worsens the suffering of new neighborhoods that are already struggling to receive basic services like child healthcare centers or educational institutions.
Once approved, these plans double the burden on existing residents, who must now compete with even more families for buses, childcare, and other resources. Meanwhile, the developers profit at everyone else’s expense.
Former Deputy Mayor Malachi Ki Tov was the only committee member to vote against such schemes. His absence is deeply felt today. It’s surprising how some otherwise reasonable committee members supported these plans—politics works in mysterious ways.
Neve Shamir – A dream turned nightmare
Neve Shamir residents bought apartments in a marketed upscale neighborhood. What they received is far from livable: no grocery stores, no commercial center, inadequate public transport, and no child healthcare services.
Although zoning has started being regulated under the current administration, the neighborhood is far from stable. This hasn’t stopped the municipality from pushing a plan to build 900 additional housing units around the area. These units would suffocate the residents—literally and figuratively.
Residents hoped for a green park to purify their air, not hundreds of cars polluting it. The already unbearable traffic congestion at the Ramat Heh exit and Yarkon Street will pale compared to the chaos caused by 900 new families.
Deputy Mayor Moshe Shitrit supports the residents in their fight, as they prepare to block construction tractors with their bodies if necessary.
In contrast, Ramat Dalet residents remain silent while others profit at their expense.
Notably, during the first planning meeting, former Deputy Mayor Malachi Ki Tov abstained. Since then, Deputy Mayor Zvi Volicki has learned his lesson and voted against the second plan—he was the only one.
Residents are furious at the other council members who supported the plan, though each must live with the consequences of their decisions.
How will this end? It depends on the determination of the residents.
Translation of article in Hebrew
