As soaring housing prices in Jerusalem make it increasingly difficult for young and growing ultra-Orthodox families to find suitable homes within reasonable distance of their communities and yeshivas, a new housing development in nearby Beit Shemesh is offering an alternative. The “Olmaya on the Park” project, specifically designed for the Haredi community, aims to address this housing shortage with spacious apartments in a strategic location, a short drive from the capital. A cornerstone-laying ceremony for the development took place this week.
Where Is the New Haredi Neighborhood Being Built in Beit Shemesh?
The new neighborhood is being developed in Ramat Hei, Beit Shemesh, between Ramat Alef, Ramat Gimel 2, and Neve Shamir, directly overlooking Yarmut Park. The completed development is expected to include approximately 20 residential buildings and 1,300 housing units.
The initial presale phase covers seven buildings, offering mainly five- and six-room apartments, garden apartments, seven-room duplexes, and penthouses overlooking the surrounding landscape.
Unlike other developments in Beit Shemesh that have faced substantial opposition from residents and environmental organizations, this project has reportedly encountered no significant objections, including from environmental groups.
An official occupancy schedule has not yet been published. The first phase is currently in advanced presales following the cornerstone ceremony, with construction expected to begin soon. The first buildings are projected to become available for occupancy gradually over the coming years, depending on permits and construction progress. Additional phases will follow.
How Much Do Apartments Cost at Olmaya on the Park?
This week’s cornerstone-laying ceremony also included the installation of a mezuzah at the sales office. Participants included former Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel Shlomo Moshe Amar, Beit Shemesh Mayor Shmuel Greenberg, Deputy Mayor and Planning and Building Committee Chairman Shimon Goldberg, senior municipal officials, and representatives of the development company.
Prices start at approximately NIS 3.19 million for a five-room apartment. A promotional offer includes exemption from construction-cost index adjustments and an initial payment of just 10% at purchase, subject to a developer-backed loan.
The specifications are tailored to observant Jewish households, including Shabbat-mode elevators, Shabbat timers, electric shutters with dedicated Sabbath-compatible controls, underfloor heating, kitchens equipped with separate sinks and faucets, private parking, and storage rooms.
The developers present the project as a residential upgrade for Haredi families seeking more space, greenery, and community life without leaving the greater Jerusalem area. Plans include educational institutions and synagogues, with particular emphasis on families wishing to move into larger homes while remaining close to their established communities.
