Eliana Cohen stands outside the city center, her toddler asleep in a stroller, as she chants for a home she and her husband, Yossi, can afford. Wednesday’s protest in Jerusalem, drawing hundreds, gave voice to families priced out by soaring housing costs and 4.5% interest rates. For the Cohens, both 30 and scraping by on teacher salaries, owning a home in their city feels like a fading dream.
The demonstration, led by housing advocacy groups, demanded action on a crisis fueled by a shortage of 150,000 housing units, per the Alrov Housing Affordability Index. Prices have increased 6-7% in yearly basis, driven by population growth, foreign investment, and war-related construction delays. Eliana said, her voice harsh from chanting, “We’re not asking for mansions—just a chance to live here,”. The 2023 Hamas war aggravated the calamity, with labor shortages stalling building projects. High interest rates, set by the Bank of Israel, make mortgages unrealistic for many. Housing Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf acknowledged the issue but offered no quick fixes: “We’re working on incentives, but the war has stretched us thin.” Critics argue that funds for West Bank settlements divert resources from urban housing.
Contextually, Jerusalem’s affordability gap is stark. A modest apartment now costs 15 times the average annual salary, up from 10 a decade ago. The Cohens share a cramped rental, saving little after bills. “We want a future for our son, but we’re stuck,” Yossi said, gesturing to the stroller. Social media amplifies their frustration, with #HousingForAll trending.
Protesters, from students to retirees, shared stories of sacrifice. “I’m 60 and still renting,” said Miriam Levy, a nurse. Experts like Danny Ben-Shahar of the Alrov Institute warn that without reform, young families will leave Jerusalem. The economic strain—tied to war recovery and global trade risks—complicates solutions.
The government plans a 2026 housing budget, but details are scarce. For Eliana and Yossi, pushing their stroller through the crowd, the protest is a stand for their son’s future. If change doesn’t come, Jerusalem risks losing the very families that give it life.
