Israel’s Parliament gave a first reading yesterday to legislation designed to normalize economic and civic life in East Jerusalem which would change the existing status of East Jerusalem residents from absentees to Israelis.
The measure also involves the title of East Jerusalem residents to their properties in the Old City, the professional and legal status of associations and individuals in the professions, and issues of church and religious properties. Justice Minister Y.S. Shapiro, told the session that the Israeli Government has not treated the East Jerusalem residents as enemies or their properties as absentee property despite provisions of the 1950 absentees’ law but that the law had to be adjusted. The measure was sent to the Knesset law and justice committee for consideration and preparation for the second and final reading.
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