Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov announced that contrary to the “provocative atmosphere” that accompanied the Sunday morning flag march in Jerusalem’s Silwan area, a sporting event was held in Jerusalem at the very same time, an event that contributed to “dual existence, peace and dialogue”. In his reference to the right-wing flag march, the minister stated he feels the entire event was ill-timed and just inflamed the delicate political atmosphere.

The minister was referring to the annual race dubbed the “Beit Lechem – Jerusalem Peace Run” that attracted hundreds of participants, Israelis, PA (Palestinian Authority) residents and Catholics, according to the Tourism Ministry media release. The race marked the start of events under the auspices of the Pope John Paul sporting events, now in the seventh consecutive year since 2000, an event coordinated with a number of agencies, including the IDF Civil Administration. Israeli participants were permitted to enter PA-occupied Beit Lechem to stand alongside PA runners.

When the runners arrived at the checkpoint, they signed a proclamation calling upon visitors from around the world to visit the Holy Land and work to promote peace.

The sporting events are a joint initiative led by the official Vatican pilgrimage organization Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi, in cooperation with the Italian Olympic Committee, the Ministry of Tourism, the Civil Administration, the Jerusalem Municipality, Jerusalem Police, JNF and the Israel Nature & Parks Authority.

Hundreds of Italian pilgrims who arrived in Israel over the last few days will inaugurate tomorrow (Monday) the Gospel Trail by riding a section of the trail from Migdal to Capernaum together with Israelis and Arabs. (The Gospel Trail begins in Nazareth.)  Following the cycling event, hundreds of Italian pilgrims will celebrate Mass in five boats, anchored on the waters of the Kinneret.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)