Rechov HaMatbe’a HaYehudi, Finally Unveiled
In an impressive ceremony, a show of Jerusalem’s finest gathered to inaugurate the name of Jerusalem Estates’ central boulevard: Rechov HaMatbe’a HaYehudi. The ceremony, held at the Amphora Garden in the center of the complex, was attended by municipal representatives, project developers, planners, consultants, and good friends.
The official blue sign proclaiming the name of the street was unveiled with great solemnity, a ubiquitous marker familiar to every Jerusalem resident and tourist. Upon it was emblazoned an historic name for a relatively young street: Rechov HaMatbe’a HaYehudi, commemorating the ancient Jewish coins from the times of the Chashmonaim, the Great Revolt, and Bar Kochba.
Testimony to Our History
The ceremony was opened by Moshe Leon, Mayor of Jerusalem, with the following statement: “The ancient coins found in the excavations of Jerusalem are testimony, more than anything, that Jerusalem was and always will be the eternal city and capital of the Jewish nation. They are a seal of evidence to Jewish life in Jerusalem and Israel since time immemorial. We are privileged to have such a beautiful neighborhood in Jerusalem, and I wish all of its residents that they soon merit to see the fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy: ‘ורחובות העיר ימלאו ילדים וילדות משחקים ברחובותיה.’ ”
The director general of the Jerusalem Municipality, Mr. Itzik Larry, was also impressed, calling Jerusalem Estates “an excellent example of infusing the material with spirit, both old and new, erecting new structures while preserving an historical imprint for generations. In this place, beautiful modern edifices are ushering in the future while perpetuating the history of Jerusalem.”
A Name Rooted in History:
Managing partner of the Yigal Arnon Law Firm Adv. Chagai Shmueli, the attorney who has accompanied the project since inception, described his initial thoughts when confronted with the grand vision. “From the beginning, it was clear that the developers goal was to create something different, something special that would integrate into the historical and geographical character of its surroundings. Six years ago, when I first heard the developers describe their concept, I thought they were hallucinating. But here we are, with the result right here in front of you. Needless to say, I was wrong – the reality exceeds the initial vision by far.”
“This is a spectacular work of art, and it’s inspiring. The historical character of the central Jerusalem courtyard, the regional and Judaic motifs so characteristic of the city – it’s a level of meticulous investment that is truly rare. This naming ceremony is a beautiful complement to the concept that has underscored the entire project, out of respect for the Jewish history of Jerusalem. The meticulous complex with its 13 luxurious buildings, the gardens and the ecological pools are all elements that elevate the surrounding Geulah neighborhood and pay homage to the historic Schneller complex, perpetuating our deep connection to Jerusalem’s past and its central place in our lives today.
“Excavations between Meah Shearim and Romema have revealed many archaeological discoveries, including thousands of Jewish coins from many different time periods, which tell the story of Jerusalem through the ages. It is because of this that it was decided to call the central street HaMatbe’a HaYehudi, which we are inaugurating today.”
Signing Off in Anticipation
We look forward to the end of the final phases of construction, upon which we can announce the completion of the project in its entirety. As we near that milestone, we await the day when we will finally merit seeing the city returned to its former glory, with the building of the Beis Hamikdash speedily in our days.