Jerusalem has always enjoyed the monopoly over the top spiritual spot in the world – but now voters have a chance this month to reinforce that reality in an online contest by Hasbro, the company that now owns the legendary Monopoly board game.



Jewish communities all over the world are racing the internet highway in their drive to put Jerusalem in first place on the board when Hasbro releases its new global edition of Monopoly.

The company’s 75-year-old game of commerce and real estate will feature 20 world cities in its new edition, which was opened to international competition last week. The classic board features famous places in the United States, including a number of streets in New York City as well as national railroads and other properties.

The contest will continue through February 28 to allow voters to cast their ballots for the top 10 cities from a pre-selected list that includes Jerusalem, Israel.

At the end of the month, the 20 cities with the highest number of ballots will take their place in history on the new global Monopoly board.

Those promoting the idea of having Jerusalem on the board claim it will help educate Jewish children and remind them of the existence of the holy city that is the capital of Israel.

But not all agree. Opponents argue that Jerusalem should not be considered as a property that can be bought and sold. Some of those who want to make sure that “Jerusalem is not for sale” even on a game board are voting in the other direction.

Directions on how to vote are being sent in email chain letters and published in Jewish community newspapers.

1. Go online to www.hasbro.com and click on the box marked “Monopoly, vote here.”

2. In the right-pane, click ‘Sort By: Cities’

3. Scroll down to ‘Jerusalem, Israel’ and click it.

4. A pop-up appears: click ‘Add to My Cities’

5. A small picture of Jerusalem should appear in lower section of the screen. (Please do not select any other cities. This would reduce Jerusalem’s scoring.)

6. Click “Vote.”

7. Click “Create your login now.”

8. Enter a desired username and password. Click “Save.”

9. You will receive a confirmation email at the entered address.

10. Click the link in the email.

11. Put Jerusalem where it belongs – in the top spot!

(Psssst! Voters are allowed to cast their ballots every day.)