Thousands of Jerusalem property owners have seen a significant increase in their property tax, known as arnona, with hikes of around 30% in some cases reaching 70%, according to Yair Ben Harush, a representative of the residents and leader of the protests against the measure.
The increase applies to buildings inhabited in the last four years, regardless of the neighbourhood, and corresponds to a considerable process of urban renewal in the city.
Faced with this situation, some 2.000 property owners have joined forces to fight against the increases, and dozens of them demonstrated on Thursday in front of the residence of Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion.
The municipality defended the tax increase, arguing that it is a fair measure based on established criteria, necessary to maintain the level of public services and prevent their deterioration.
The same old story, so old and so current. Taxes, taxes and more taxes.