Photo by: Leslie Bass
Mayor of Jerusalem, Nir Barkat, discussed his goals and challenges in leading Jerusalem to a better future in front of 700 people at the Newman Center on Tuesday.
Barkat, elected in 2008 as the ninth mayor of Jerusalem, was welcomed to the Gates Theater by Chancellor Robert Coombe and Gov. Bill Ritter at 6:30 p.m., as the keynote speaker for “Jerusalem in Transition: An Ancient City at the Forefront of Contemporary Issues in the Middle East.”
Barkat explained his plan to restore Jerusalem to economic success through tourism and answered audience questions. As a member of the Left Kadima party, Barkat believes in a unified Jerusalem, no power sharing and a return to economic stability through tourism. Barkat acknowledged that life in Jerusalem must be improved in the West and East side.
“Name a conflict, we have it,” said Barkat.
Jerusalem is currently one of the poorest cities, with the average yearly income being $800.
Barkat hopes to return Jerusalem to a state of economic prosperity by utilizing the religious significance of the city to increase tourism and income. His goal is to have 10 million tourists within a decade.
Jerusalem is a religious mecca for the 8,000 Jews, Muslims and Christians who live within the city’s limits, but also for millions of people around the world who look to Jerusalem as a center of religious belief.
“Everywhere you put a shovel in the ground, you will find Jewish roots,” said Barkat.
Jews and Arabs disagree over whom Jerusalem belongs to; Arabs see their land being taking away from them, while Jews see themselves taking back land that is rightfully theirs.
“The way to manage Jerusalem is to seek a common denominator,” said Barkat.
Barkat’s common denominator is his refusal to hand over Jerusalem to an international party. Arabs and Jews disagree on which of them should be in charge, but agree that it should not be in the hands of a foreign power.
“I believe in a united Jerusalem. We need it to work as a whole,” said Barkat.
Heidi Alvarez, a DU student, who spent part of her summer in Jerusalem, said that people don’t understand the persistent discrimination and systematic oppression aimed towards Palestinians in Jerusalem.
“I saw what was going on,” said Alvarez. “It’s hard to say things are all right when you see people getting kicked out of their houses.”
Neil Dubro, chair of Americans Against Terrorism, and Barkat supporter, said the anti-Barkat protestors had no basis in fact.
“Under Israel is religious freedom for all,” said Dubro. “Houses are only demolished if they don’t have permits.”
Kristin Hissong, a second year in the Korbel school, spent part of her summer in Jerusalem. She said she had witnessed the bulldozing of houses, but could see both sides of the arguments.
“I’m pro both. Being pro one does not mean you have to be anti the other,” said Hissong.
In a year Barkat has developed strong supporters and opponents, yet he says he feels comfortable they are getting their act together.
“It’s my honor to serve Jerusalem,” said Barkat. “We must make [Jerusalem] better for the next generation.”
