Jerusalem LRT finally opens
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefFriday marked the oft-delayed, highly contentious opening of light rail transit in Jerusalem, the Israeli capital, following plenty of controversy reflecting the nature of the volatile Middle East political scene.
The $1.4 billion project was delayed in part by objections from Palestinians in the city’s eastern sector, who saw LRT as another way for Israel to consolidate its control of the entire city by linking eastern and western portions of the city. Palestinians claim east Jerusalem as their capital.
The discovery of gravesites during construction drew criticism from Israel’s Orthodox community, resulting in alterations to the proposed route. Archaeologists also uncovered ancient bathhouses and a 6th-century monastery, resulting in more delays.
