December 19, 2012 - Mayor Nir Barkat toured the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City this morning to speak with local religious leaders, residents, and store keepers to wish them a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Mayor Barkat took the opportunity while meeting with representatives of the Old City’s Christian leadership to discuss the challenges facing their communities and to address their concerns regarding traffic conditions, infrastructure, and the expansion of schools.
During the first of three scheduled tours, Mayor Barkat held meetings with the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, the Franciscan Custos of the Holy Land, the Ethiopian Orthodox Archbishop in Jerusalem, and the Head of the Anglican Evangelical Episcopal Church in Israel.
Mayor Barkat’s annual tradition of bringing holiday greetings to Christian leaders in the Old City has become an opportunity for a yearly update and review of the concerns of each community. The Mayor told residents "there are no problems, only challenges, and we are looking for the most effective ways to resolve them." In this spirit, the Mayor was joined by representatives from the relevant branches of the Municipality, as well as his Deputy Mayor for Planning, Naomi Tsur, and City Councilman Meir Margalit.
Photo Silvia Golan
