Veolia and the Jerusalem Metro

by Marco Chown Oved

Article published on the 2009-10-09 Latest update 2009-10-12 17:30 TU

Work on the Jerusalem transport system
(Photo: Diakonia)

The Jerusalem Light Rail Project – or JLR – is an innocent public transport initiative on the surface, but in a part of the world where there are so many lines in the sand, it brings hostilities to the fore by crossing them all.

And two French industrial companies are caught up in it, losing contracts, worrying about their reputation and their bottom line. Veolia and Alstom are currently being tried in a French court for breaking international law. They're also being targeted with an international boycott, divestment and sanctions campaign that could be costing them tens of billions of dollars.