The state will spend NIS 5.7 million for Pope Benedict XVI’s Nazareth mass scheduled during his May visit to Israel. The mass will be broadcast by Gad Oron Productions, which will be handling the major prayer event. It should be pointed out the sum does not include infrastructure for the event. Government officials are waiting for the Vatican to submit its documentation listing requirements for the papal visit.
The public mass is planned for May 14th, which will be set to accommodate 35,000 worshipers. Nazareth municipality officials are compelled to work with many agencies, especially due to the limited time to prepare, and the decision has already been made to turn the logistics over to the private firm but much must be done to prepare the area on which the event will be held as well as arranging the planned live satellite hookup to destinations abroad, security and transportation to name a few of the additional expenses involved.
The cabinet has also approved NIS 3 million to refurbish the garden in the President’s Residence for the papal reception.
(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)
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One Response
Send the bill to the vatican, they have billions! With so many out of work, and so many stuggling to feed and clothe and house their families, they approve spending THREE MILLION shekel to pretty up the president’s garden!?!?! That is OBSCENE!!!