After a 15-year controversy, Jerusalem will finally have a new, modern soccer stadium despite objections from many of its Orthodox residents.
The High Court of Justice ordered the Interior Ministry Monday to give final approval to the project.
The court’s ruling ended the long-running battle between secular and religious circles over the projected new soccer stadium in the Malha neighborhood.
Orthodox Jews objected in principle because soccer is played on Saturdays — the only day off for most Israelis — in violation of the Sabbath.
Observant Jews, especially in the nearby Bayit Vagan neighborhood, had protested most vigorously because they will be within earshot of the new stadium, thus ruining the quiet of their Shabbat.
The Interior Ministry, which traditionally is controlled by the religious parties, argued that plans for the stadium be held in abeyance until final planning for the entire area is completed.
But the High Court rejected that as “unreasonable.”
The municipality promptly announced that Jerusalem fans would be enjoying soccer in their new stadium by next fall.
But first, the city has to raise funds to build it. It hopes to get contributions from abroad as well as proceeds from the local sports lottery.
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