Are developers killing the green belt around Jerusalem?

In the early years of the State of Israel, the Jewish National Funds Yosef Weitz was inspired to create a belt of forest in the hills around Jerusalem, which had been barren for over 1,000 years. Then-president Yitzhak Ben-Zvi planted the first tree. More trees were planted by Jerusalem school children on Tu Bishvat, and for every baby born in the city. Over the years, small recreation areas enriched the fabric of this precious urban forest-park. The Jerusalem Development Authoritys plans for Jerusalem will, in effect, amputate the precious fingers of green forest that enrich the neighborhoods on the western edge of the city, providing them with clean air, respite and refuge from the noise and pressures of city life. Unless urban parks like the Jerusalem Forest are protected, the current development plan is destined to become yet another cynical chapter in the citys history. The serious alternative to Highway 16 is the fast 30-minute rail link to Tel Aviv. Experts have recommended other sites for the fuel depot, and the Environment Ministry agrees that the Jerusalem Forest should no longer be sacrificed for Jerusalem development. Highway 16 would not seal off building sprawl into the forest: It would seal the fate of the forest forever.