Dim Amor
An investigation by the "Maakav" system reveals a harsh reality of urban neglect and silence from the authorities.
On Halamit Street in the Amidar area, one of the most neglected areas in the city, residents complain about mountains of garbage that have not been cleared for months. "We pay property tax of over 900 shekels, like houses close to the sea, and we live in garbage," says one resident who asked to remain anonymous. "It's simply unbearable."
The contractor responsible for cleaning the city, who won the municipal tender, receives hundreds of thousands of shekels each month from the state coffers and the Bat Yam municipality. However, despite the high payments, it seems that the work is not being carried out properly. Pictures of garbage piles have been sent many times to the municipality by the 'Maakav' system, but without response or visible treatment.
City residents, who asked to remain anonymous, describe an atmosphere of fear and silence. "People are afraid to speak. There's a feeling that any criticism could lead to a defamation lawsuit," says one resident.
The mayor, Zvika Brot, is known for his tendency to file defamation lawsuits against his critics. In the past, he has filed lawsuits against residents such as Meir Bachar, Yossi Bachar, and his daughter. Therefore, people prefer to remain silent rather than risk an expensive lawsuit.
Danger Lurks in Bat Yam's Gardens: Potholes Endanger Children's Lives
'Maakav' reveals that dangerous potholes are scattered throughout the city's public gardens, posing a real danger to children riding bicycles and playing in open spaces.
It appears that the Bat Yam municipality and the mayor are showing disturbing indifference to the issue. The municipal departments responsible for maintaining public spaces, as well as the contractors responsible for carrying out repairs, have not taken significant steps to solve the problem so far.
This is a ticking time bomb. Is a severe accident just a matter of time?!
Falling into a pothole can cause serious injuries, especially among young cyclists. This is a completely unnecessary risk; such an injury could leave physical and emotional scars for life.
The most troubling question is: Will the municipality take responsibility when a disaster occurs? Bat Yam residents express doubt.
Ron Laviud, Head of the Spokesperson (and Silence) Department
The municipality's spokesperson department, headed by Ron Laviud, is a champion in systematically ignoring 'Maakav's' inquiries. Despite repeated requests from the "Maakav" system, no official response has been received to the serious allegations. Apparently, this is the department of silence, not public relations.
In a strongly worded letter sent by the "Maakav" system to Ron Laviud, it was written: "Is it the spokesperson's job to filter media outlets?" The letter also raises questions about the contractor responsible for cleaning and why a dangerous pothole in a public garden has not been fixed.
The municipality's legal advisor and the city comptroller, entrusted with maintaining law and proper order, are also silent. Their role is to supervise and review the municipality's actions. Their silence raises serious questions.
On the streets of Bat Yam, garbage continues to accumulate. Residents continue to pay high property taxes but feel that their voices are not being heard. "We want a clean city, a transparent municipality, and responsible leadership. It's not an exaggerated request. It's our basic right," says one resident.
As of now, the Bat Yam municipality has not responded to repeated inquiries on the matter. The big question remains: Is anyone in the city leadership listening? And when, if ever, will Bat Yam residents see real change in their streets?
