Forcing neighbors to renovate

Neighbours

Question

(“Pinui-binui” is an Israeli government program aimed at renovating and rebuilding old buildings. As part of the program, the apartment owners receive new, larger apartments, and the building company receives a number of apartments in the renewed building.) According to the Israeli law, if 60% of apartment owners are interested in the “pinui-binui” program, they can force the remaining owners to participate in the program against their will. The question is, according to the Torah law, is it permitted to force owners to participate in the program? (Practically, this means that apartments are taken away from their owners by force, and then other apartments are given to them, whether they want it, or not.)

Answer

Dear …

No. You have no right to force others to participate in the program. The only way you can participate is if everyone agrees to it.

Comments

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