sustainable Jerusalem

The uniqueness of Arazim Valley and Mitzpeh Naftoah lies in their large number of protected natural treasures and wildlife, remains of terraces and other archaeological sites, Lifta Village, gardens, springs and woods. It is the area that marks the entrance to Jerusalem, serving as a buffer between it and the surrounding open, green spaces.

Arazim Valley and Mitzpeh Naftoah provide a recreation area for many Jerusalem residents - for hiking, jogging, picnics and a wide range of other activities. Located at the city's western reaches, overlooking Nahal Sorek, they constitute a unique natural gem and an important landscape asset for the neighborhoods on that side of the capital.

Nevertheless, Arazim Valley and Mitzpeh Naftoah are endangered by plans to build on them:

1. The plan for the Moriah Company to construct Road No. 9, begun in the     summer of 2001. The road will connect Motza with north Jerusalem via     Arazim Valley, cutting through and filling it with heavy, polluting traffic,    thus destroying valuable natural treasures.

2. The Jerusalem Municipality and the Israel Lands Authority are
    promoting a plan to construct 2000 housing units in Mitzpeh Naftoah -
    building plan no. 6885. The "Safdiah Plan" is also underway, to develop     areas that have been annexed west of the city, including Mitzpeh
    Niftoah and Arazim Valley. Realization of these plans would create a
    continuous urban sprawl from Jerusalem to Mevasseret, blurring the
    capital's identity and image as "a city that dwells alone, exalted on the
    mountain-top".

The Jerusalem Municipality has ostensibly responded to the pressure applied by those opposed to construction in the valley and, together with the Jewish National Fund (KKL), has prepared a plan for a "northern park" in the valley and overlooking Nahal Sorek. However, this plan is intended for only a small part of Arazim Valley.