Bikur Cholim: From historic hospital to haredi hub? - Plans to install a 1,000-girl hassidic seminary would irrevocably alter the city center map for all Jerusalemites - July 10, 2026

Jul 31, 2026

Plans to install a 1,000-girl hassidic seminary at Bikur Cholim would permanently reshape central Jerusalem’s urban map and affect access for all residents. Coverage highlights the hospital’s history, including its relocation to Straus Street in 1925 from the Old City, and frames the decision as a potential turning point for the city center. Community perspectives are represented through figures such as Yosi Havilio, a long-time activist and deputy mayor within a haredi-dominated municipal context.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages16

Reading Time40 min

AccessFree to download

Cover Story

Background: Bikur Cholim hospital history

Community and political perspectives

Seminary plans and impact on access

in Jerusalem THE JERUSALEM POST July 10, 2026 Bikur Cholim: From historic hospital to haredi hub? Plans to install a 1,000-girl hassidic seminary would irrevocably alter the city center map for all Jerusalemites July 10, 2026 in Jerusalem Cover Bikur Cholim hospital – uncertain fate, unhappy city? 6 Our Jerusalem Leisure – Beit Shmuel 4 Culture – Manofim festival 8 Food & Drink – Summer beverages 11 Behind the Bylines – Audrey Lynn Leinoff 12 Jerusalem Post Crossword 14 Grapevine 14 Jerusalem Highlights 15 8 (Noy Mustik) 11 (Chani Kaplan) To advertise: (02) 531-5680 [ads@jpost.com](ads@jpost.com) Editor Erica Schachne Graphic Design David Yaphe MOSHE SADEH Accounting Services 2 IN JERUSALEM | July 10, 2026 Cover Photo Wikimedia Commons THE JERUSALEM POST Leisure A Shabbat with a view: Falling for y at a time Good food, better panoramas, and one contested piece of cake ERICA SCHACHNE That balcony: We drink it in. (Coby Shalev) iving as we do in the heart of the LHdon’otly Cofteys,mypenhdusShanbbCt aosbtyoanuridst – preferring shmoozy foodfests with friends and family, and sacking out on our comfy couch with a true crime tell-all (me) or a quirky self-help book (Coby) . Yet, we spent the weekend at the newly renovated Beit Shmuel this June – Friday night through Saturday, with all our meals atthe hotel – and it was of the more memorable Shabbatot we’ve had in Jerusalem in a while. A little of a love-at-first-suite situation, if I’m honest. A bit of background Beit Shmuel is fairly newto the market in its current form; it went through a major, multi-million-shekel renovation and reopened under new management, with 56 rooms across a few categories – from standard rooms up to family-sized suites and a private 11-room complex for groups, to hostel-like rooms with bunk beds suited for travelers or young kids. It’s run by Eli Danon and Momi Dahan, with Adi Ben-Shitrit, a wellknown Jerusalem name, as general manager. Ben-Shitrit described the goal as offering a high, tailored standard of hospitality authentic to Jerusalem – and the investment shows. The property feels genuinely new rather than freshly painted over an old shell, more “reborn” than“refreshed.” The room We stayed in one of the hotel’s suites, part of a recently launched complex that provides the Jerusalem holy grail: directly facing the Old City walls. It didn’t feel like a hotel room so much as a small, well-appointed apartment: a proper separate bedroom, with a comfortable bed, full-length mirror, the right amount of drawers and closet space, and a spacious en-suite bathroom and shower with good water pressure and delightfully scented products. The living area offered ample seating space, sunshine, and a massive TV, and a full kitchen with a dishwasher, oven, coffee machine, and glasses of all shapes and sizes. Moreover, there was a safe, an iron (which Coby appreciated; I haven’t ironed in years), and the air conditioning was strong enough to make the June heat a non-issue. The finishes throughout were clean and modern, with lively local art on the walls lending an air of personality. The balcony was the real standout, and honestly, a little bit of a showoff. We stepped out Friday afternoon and just stood there for a minute taking in the view – the cradle of three religions right there, like Jerusalem decided to perform just for us. Sharing a pre-Shabbat glass of wine, whiling away a few hours outside, even getting dressed – it made the whole stay feel special. The public spaces The rooftop boasts a similar sweeping view, and a few different art-bedecked lounge and lobby areas are spread across the lower floors – including anice open space on the third floor – that gave us places to sit, read, and talk over Shabbat without it feeling like we were stuck in our room. An inner courtyard was perfect for meandering afternoon conversations amid a bit of greenery. Come even

FAQs

What is the proposed change involving Bikur Cholim?

Plans call for installing a 1,000-girl hassidic seminary tied to the Bikur Cholim hospital premises.

Why is the proposal described as reshaping central Jerusalem?

The plan would irrevocably alter the city center map and affect how accessible the area is for Jerusalem residents.

Who provides perspective in the coverage?

Yosi Havilio, a long-time community activist and politician, is quoted as representing secular, liberal, and traditional voices within the municipality.

Jul 31, 2026

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