Barkat to show nice side of city to foreign press accompanying Obama
US President Barack Obama’s much-heralded visit to Jerusalem is still a month away, but preparations for “Operation Unbreakable Alliance” are already in full swing.
Obama is expected to arrive on March 20. Secret service agents have reportedly already inspected the King David Hotel, which is to be completely taken over by Obama’s entourage. Guests who had reservations for pre-Passover festivities at the King David, traditionally a busy time for tourists in Jerusalem, have already been relocated to other hotels.
Also celebrating Obama’s arrival is the Jerusalem Ice City, which has decided to create an ice sculpture of the American president in addition to the dinosaurs and fairy tale scenes already planned for this year’s Ice Festival.
Hundreds of American and foreign journalists are expected to descend on the capital to report on Obama’s three-day visit, and Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat wants to take full advantage of their presence.
The mayor has spearheaded an initiative called “The Jerusalem you don’t know,” with special tours to show foreign journalists the city’s highlights, such as historical and archeological sites, culinary tours of the Mahaneh Yehuda shuk (outdoor market), a panoramic view of the Old City from the Sherover promenade, and private visits to the new Herod exhibit at the Israel Museum and the Ice City.
The mayor is also emphasizing Jerusalem’s “crazy night life,” according to a municipality spokeswoman, with nighttime tours of downtown pubs and the small bars tucked into stalls in Mahaneh Yehuda.