Financial district being built in Bnei Brak

New business center stretching over 50 acres of land, comprised of 15 towers, to be launched in capital of Israel's ultra-Orthodox community

Imagine a modern and prosperous financial district, located over 50 acres of land, comprised of 15 towers and employing tens of thousands of people.

Now imagine this district in the Israeli city of Bnei Brak. Among old housing units and garages in the capital of the ultra-orthodox community in Israel a new business center will be launched.

"Every city needs its economic stimulus," explains Bnei Brak Mayor Rabbi Asher Yaakov, "and a condensed city like Bnei Brak of 1,700 acres for 167,000 residents needs these tax-paying spaces. When you have money you can dedicate it to your city's residents."

In a special conference in honor of the project, Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz urged the ultra-Orthodox community to integrate into Israel's workforce.

"We must encourage the involvement of the ultra-Orthodox sector in Israel's economy. At the end of the day, there is no reason for the ultra-Orthodox cities to be the poorest in the country," he said.

Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fischer added, "God helps those who help themselves, and so the people and city of Bnei Brak are taking their economic future in their own hands."

The building has begun, the plan sounds promising and people on the street are hoping that this initiative will push the city of Bnei Brak forward.

According to Dina Gantman, a young woman who works in Bnei Brak, "If you cross the street it's like you're in another world. At first you see the high-tech and the people here, and then you cross the street and see the ultra-Orthodox people and the old apartments. It's a little strange."