11 November 2005
Note 11/15: Not that anyone will read this, but for my own conscience...
Terrible error on my part! In my fervor to post to my blog after a long absence, I confused the city of Bethlehem with Jerusalem. It was originally proposed that Jerusalem should be internationally administered. I say, why not Bethlehem too? Anyway, Bethlehem is not as much of a contested territory as Jerusalem, though it is suffering badly under occupation.-AM
long time, no blog...
I think this is a fantastic initiative.
Back in the day, when the colonial powers were still losing their grip on Palestine, they proposed that Bethlehem should be an internationally administered city, not part of any one country. It is a majorly significant place for so many cultures and religions, it didn't (and doesn't) seem right to have it under the jurisdiction of one country.
Now Israel is trying to culminate its drive to control Bethlehem by building the separation wall around it, and leaving only two entries open to the city, effectively cutting it off from the West Bank and the rest of the world.
This initiative from the Mayor of Bethlehem is offering honorary Bethlehem passports to people who will invest in the city or make an extended visit. He sees his city being cut off from the rest of the world-- this is a fate totally inappropriate for such a place.
Terrible error on my part! In my fervor to post to my blog after a long absence, I confused the city of Bethlehem with Jerusalem. It was originally proposed that Jerusalem should be internationally administered. I say, why not Bethlehem too? Anyway, Bethlehem is not as much of a contested territory as Jerusalem, though it is suffering badly under occupation.-AM
long time, no blog...
I think this is a fantastic initiative.
Back in the day, when the colonial powers were still losing their grip on Palestine, they proposed that Bethlehem should be an internationally administered city, not part of any one country. It is a majorly significant place for so many cultures and religions, it didn't (and doesn't) seem right to have it under the jurisdiction of one country.
Now Israel is trying to culminate its drive to control Bethlehem by building the separation wall around it, and leaving only two entries open to the city, effectively cutting it off from the West Bank and the rest of the world.
This initiative from the Mayor of Bethlehem is offering honorary Bethlehem passports to people who will invest in the city or make an extended visit. He sees his city being cut off from the rest of the world-- this is a fate totally inappropriate for such a place.
