Prime Minister Netanyahu cancelled a trip to eastern Europe to deal with the growing tent-city protests around the country demanding a solution to the housing crisis for young couples.

It’s become almost impossible for a young couple to purchase an apartment in the center of the country where there are employment prospects.

Housing Protesters - source Jerusalem Post

Commenting on the tent protest, Netanyahu said, “The housing shortage is real… Young couples in Israel lack the wherewithal to buy an apartment, because apartments are too expensive. They are too expensive because there aren’t enough apartments, which is because of the government monopoly, which owns over 90% of the country’s land zoned for construction. Israel has the most convoluted planning commissions in the world and it takes more than five years to release an apartment for construction.”

Netanyahu added, “It is necessary to simplify these mechanisms. It took us two years to make these two changes, and this week we’re completing the reform in planning and building commissions and the Israel Land Administration. The government abolished the absurd ban for construction in the Dan Region (metropolitan Tel Aviv), various incentives have been created for contractors and buyers, and more will be created. We have linked up the periphery with highways, which has resulted in 48,000 new housing starts. ”

Here are some of the main points of the Prime Minister’s proposals this week:

• Reform of Land Administration and planning committees: Removal of barriers to marketing of land and to planning of housing units.

• Cheaper land for buying apartments: A 50 percent discount in price of land for construction of apartments, where contractors compete to offer lowest prices to buyers.

• Reduced-cost rentals: Construction of apartments for long-term rental, with 25-100 percent discount on land for contractors that offer lowest price to renters.

• Student housing: Construction of 10,000 new dormitory units for students.

• Cheap public transportation for students: Immediate 50 percent rail and bus discount for university and college students, to encourage them to live outside city centers.

• Municipal tax for empty apartments: Exemptions on municipal tax for empty apartments will be limited to six months.

source – globes.com and jpost.com

This is one of the largest, most exclusive Villas in Ramat Beit Shemesh. Built on a 470 meter lot on a quiet cul-de-sac in the Dolev neighborhood, this unique home is a rare opportunity to have a large American-style home in one of the most sought after Anglo communities in the country.

The entrance level boasts a modern eat-in kitchen with three sinks and a walk-out to the garden patio. The large living/dining room can host a large family and guests and also has a beautiful walk-out to the garden and sukkah/patio which further expands the living area. There is a beautiful library/office surrounded by built in oak book cases on the main floor as well.

One flight up is the master suite which is separate from three more bedrooms and two bathrooms.  On the third floor is a lovely guest wing and an attached walkout patio with a stunning view.

If that’s not enough, there is a lower level with a separate entrance that can be used as a separate 3 bedroom apartment or a large family room with additional bedrooms or office space.

This lovely home is completely surrounded by gardens and next to a large park. Close to synagogues and shopping malls.

If you want to be in Ramat Beit Shemesh and live in a very large home with the highest standards of design, materials and finishings like those found in Raanana or Hertzlia Pituah, then this is the property for you.

Call Shmuel at: Israel:052-889-6688 or USA:718-717-2192 for more info.

Here’s Chana giving a wonderful walkthru of the property…

The good news is that Israel’s economy is probably the strongest it’s ever been.

- GDP grew 4.7% in 2010.

- GDP projection for 2011 is 5% and 2012 is 4.2 % (conservatively).

- Unemployment has fallen to an all time low of 6% closing in on full employment.

- Interest rates are low.

- Per capita income is $30,000

So what’s the problem? According to Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fisher, “Why are we worried? Because (housing) prices are rising by 16%, which means that prices will double within five years. This has to stop. The question is whether it will stop in a way that won’t harm the economy.”

Deputy BOI Governor Eckstein explained that the housing market increases were based on supply and demand. There just aren’t enough new housing starts. Eckstein said that the Israeli economy was sound and strong in terms of consumption, exports, unemployment, and other factors. “The risks and opportunities in the Israeli housing market are due to demand and consumption. Fiscal credibility and stability are important factors in the stability of the Israeli economy.”

Meanwhile Prime Minister Netanyahu is pushing a new “supertanker” housing plan to build over 113,000 new housing units over the next five years to help the situation.

-sources www.Globes.co.il

Have you ever seen a Marzipan Elvis? Just down the road from us is a unique family attraction – the Marzipan Museum at Kfar Tavor.

Part of the new visitor center at the popular Tavor Winery it’s a fun activity for the whole family. There are amazing sculptures of celebrities and politicians as well as fairy tale characters.

It’s a family run business and you can watch the owners make the marzipan and praline chocolates.

After  a short film there’s a delightful workshop where you can make your own models from marzipan or chocolate – with help from expert instructors who adapt the workshop to every age from 3 to 93. Of course at the end, you can take your works home or eat them on the way. (ingredients supervised by the regional rabbi).

Enjoy the video – for more information visit their website.