NIS 12 Million Investment to Enhance Accessibility at Rachel's Tomb
In a significant move to improve traffic conditions and accessibility at Rachel's Tomb, Israeli Transport Minister Miri Regev and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the allocation of NIS 12 million for infrastructure upgrades. This announcement coincides with the day commemorating the passing of Rachel, a pivotal figure in Jewish tradition, attracting thousands of visitors to the site annually.
The funding will be directed towards widening the access road, constructing a new bus stop, implementing safety measures for pedestrians and drivers, and increasing parking capacity. This initiative aims to alleviate ongoing traffic congestion, enhance the visitor experience, and ensure safety in the area, which has seen a 20% increase in road fatalities this year, totaling 377 deaths.
Smotrich emphasized the importance of investing in access to holy sites, stating, "It is a right and a duty to invest in the access roads and development of our holy places and we will continue to do so." Regev echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of Rachel's Tomb for the Jewish community, noting that it is visited by hundreds of thousands each year.
