AIDA REFUGEE CAMP, West Bank — Palestinians in a refugee camp near Bethlehem want to receive Pope Benedict XVI in what they say is the most fitting setting — next to the towering cement wall that is part of Israel’s West Bank barrier and borders the camp on two sides.
They are building an outdoor theater next to the wall for the pope’s visit to Aida camp May 13. They say they chose the spot to highlight life under Israeli military occupation.
However, the Israeli government has ordered the construction to stop, saying camp organizers lack the necessary permits and that the theater’s proximity to the wall poses a security risk.
Israel started building the separation barrier in the West Bank in 2002, portraying it as a defense against Palestinian gunmen and suicide bombers. Palestinians have denounced it as a land grab.
The pope is touring the Holy Land from May 8-15, and will visit Bethlehem, Nazareth and Jerusalem, key locations in Jesus’ life.
by the associated press
They are building an outdoor theater next to the wall for the pope’s visit to Aida camp May 13. They say they chose the spot to highlight life under Israeli military occupation.
However, the Israeli government has ordered the construction to stop, saying camp organizers lack the necessary permits and that the theater’s proximity to the wall poses a security risk.
Israel started building the separation barrier in the West Bank in 2002, portraying it as a defense against Palestinian gunmen and suicide bombers. Palestinians have denounced it as a land grab.
The pope is touring the Holy Land from May 8-15, and will visit Bethlehem, Nazareth and Jerusalem, key locations in Jesus’ life.
by the associated press
No comments:
Post a Comment