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Jerusalem Mayor Questions Cameron's Understanding of Facts on the Ground in the City
(Jerusalem Post) Daniel K. Eisenbud - In response to British Prime Minister David Cameron's calling Israeli settlement construction in east Jerusalem "genuinely shocking," Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat Thursday questioned the prime minister's knowledge of facts on the ground in east Jerusalem. Barkat asked, "What construction is he 'shocked' by in east Jerusalem? By the newest, most advanced schools we are building to educate the youth? By the new roads we are paving for the residents? By the childcare and community centers we are establishing for the benefit of the families?" "The quality of life for east Jerusalem residents is constantly progressing and is far superior to the quality of life for residents in any of our neighboring countries." He added that the majority of Arab residents of the city have repeatedly indicated their preference for a united Jerusalem in the "most recent independent, international surveys." "As would be the case in London, the idea that a resident would be denied the right to live in a certain neighborhood based on their religion is preposterous....I personally invite Prime Minister Cameron, a true friend of Israel, to visit and see for himself our commitment to our Arab residents in east Jerusalem and the tremendous advancement we have made in bridging gaps across the city."