Israeli, Palestinian mayors for peace
Israeli businessman initiates meeting between Israeli, Palestinian mayors in bid to improve relations between sides
The meeting was initiated by Israeli businessman Eyal Ehrlich, who recently published a book entitled “Hudna” (cease-fire.) Ehrlich is expected to announce the meeting at a press conference in Jerusalem on Sunday.
Sderot Mayor Eli Moyal is set to head the Israeli delegation, while Nablus Mayor and Deputy Minister of Local Affairs, Dr. Hussein al-Araj will lead the Palestinian team.
Nine mayors confirm participation
The initiative was launched more than two months ago, after Ehrlich approached Moyal with the idea. However, it was only during the past month that the idea became feasible, after al-Araj agreed to participate.
While Moyal said he would persuade the Israeli mayors to participate, al-Araj said he would be responsible for recruiting the Palestinian mayors.
Nine Israeli mayors have already confirmed their participation in the conference, including those in Beer Sheva, Kfar Saba, and Ashkelon.
Beer Sheva mayor Yaacov Terner told Ynet he met with Palestinian mayors in Europe twice over the past year, and said he was prepared to offer assistance for next week’s conference.
“I’m happy to be able to commit myself to activities for the sake of peace and quiet,” he said. “We (mayors) also have obligations to the public who chose us, even if we’re only mayors.”
Succeeding where politicians have failed
Moyal said he, too, believes the mayors have a responsibility to promote peace.
“Where the big politicians failed, perhaps we, the secondary echelon, can succeed,” he said. “The hudna (cease-fire) begins on the ground. Even though I’m against the disengagement, and still a right-wing Likud member...I’m obligated to move forward.”
Moyal said the mayors participating in the conference are calling on the Palestinians to commit to a cease-fire.
“I’m prepared to cross oceans and give up every ounce of respect. I’ll leave my respect at home for peace,” he said. “Who else but me and the residents of Sderot, who have experienced suffering, know how important a hudna is."
