Elad, a non-profit Jewish organization that purchases houses, took control of two large compounds in the Palestinian populated East Jerusalem neighborhoods of Silwan (the City of David) and A-Tur on the Mount of Olives last Wednesday. Elad intends to place between 15 and 20 families in these homes shortly. “Our goal is to hold on to outposts in East Jerusalem and create an irreversible situation in the sacred basin around the Old City,” said Adi Mintz, a member of Elad’s management board. Mintz called the move a “significant achievement” for Elad as they purchased the homes the day after the national elections. Kadima Member of Knesset (Parliament) Othniel Schneller said the party maintains that the Old City, the Mount of Olives, City of David and Sheikh Jarrah will remain in Israel’s hands. Neighborhoods on the outskirts of Jerusalem such as Abu Dis, Shoafat and Anata will remain in the hands of the Palestinian Authority.