President Reuven Rivlin is expected to participate in the Hebron community’s launch of its new tourist center in two weeks. The participation of the president will mark the first time in over 12 years that an Israeli president has visited the holy city. The last presidential visit was former President Moshe Katsav early into his tenure.

The participation of the president delivers a strong political message as Mr. Rivlin will dedicate the new center and museum. The planned visit is earning its share of political backlash as many feel the president should not take part in an official event in the “controversial city”.

Few high-level state officials make it to Hebron. For one thing, security arrangements must be quite comprehensive, involving many agencies and security troops.

Hebron officials applaud the president’s decision and highlight the significance of his participation, pointing out hundreds of thousands of visitors have been in the community’s museum and the new refurbished museum will include new technology and offer an entirely new experience.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)