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Mayor's Aide: New Deal for Jerusalem Palestinians

[AP/Washington Post] Karin Laub - Jerusalem city councilman Yakir Segev, 32, elected in 2008 on Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat's list, holds the portfolio for eastern Jerusalem. He says he believes treating Jerusalem's Arabs more fairly will strengthen Israeli claims to all of the disputed city, and says he's seeking ways to legalize thousands of unlicensed Arab homes vulnerable to demolition. Both Segev and his boss staunchly oppose a future partition of the city. But Segev says he does want to narrow the gap between Jewish and Arab neighborhoods. Arabs have little say in city politics because they largely boycott municipal elections, fearing votes could be interpreted as acceptance of Israeli rule. Segev said a Jewish majority is important for Israel's claims to the city, but should be achieved by attracting more Jews, not limiting Palestinians. In reviewing licensing practices, "our goal is that the majority of the residents will receive a solution," he said. Unlicensed homes in residential areas would likely win retroactive approval, while those built on public land or areas earmarked for roads and schools would be demolished. Segev, who lost his left arm in a childhood accident and overcame huge odds to get into the Egoz commando unit, displays the same can-do attitude now. "I would like to see to it that the (Arab) population feels that we are serious," he said.
2009-05-22 06:00:00
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