"Let us work hand in hand to create a path of peace in Beit Sahour" The Municipality of Beit Sahour celebrate the opening of a public park
The ceremony started with the Palestinian National Anthem where after the mayor Mr. Hani Al-Hayek welcomed the guests and address the audience on this very important event that represent the starting point of a dream comes true; a Public Park that will serve the entire Bethlehem Area. The mayor continues his speech and stresses the fact that the project represents a “PATH for PEACE” since the project aim is to transform a military camping site, which was a symbol of violence and injustice to a beautiful green area that is very much needed as an outlet to Bethlehem area families and children, a needed and appropriate place for recreation, relaxation and cultural exchange and cooperation between peoples and represent peace and reconciliation. Mr. Al- Hayek added that the park will include a garden of adventures to attract young people and children to learn leadership and environmental management and to learn how to respect others, and accept others. In addition, it will be a permanent site for Scout summer camps and will be used for social and cultural programmes. The park will also include a recreational green zone that will be an outlet for the population under the current difficult circumstances. Finally, the mayor thanked, on behalf of the municipal council and the people of the city, the USAID working team and their financial and logistical support for the first phase of this project and he called for the continuation of such support so that the Municipality could implement the second phase of the park. He also thanked the municipal employees and workers, and all the volunteers who contributed to the implementation of this vital project.
She also noted that the completion of this project is a distinguished achievement in which we can transform a scary camp to a place of joy and happiness, to restore smiles to the hearts of children and to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people. Finally, she thanked the efforts of the Mayor, the city council members and the technical team who were able to transform the dream into reality and thanked the USAID for their support for this project. She added: “Getting to this day, shows the power and the potential that the Palestinian people have who were able to achieve such a project with international support. Finally, Mr. Michael Hess spoke, who came from Washington in his first visit to the country to participate in this celebration. He thanked the mayor, the municipal council, the audience and the scouts for the warm welcome and good reception, he said: "I respect and value your efforts and great work in transforming a symbol of oppression to a symbol of peace, where you can spend exciting moments with your family, your children and your friends within its boundaries and I know how important the existence of the garden is to you and your children.” The United States of America knows how much you suffer, which calls for only disappointment but you did not give up, you insisted on building your future, and it is clear that you have wise leaders of ministries and municipal leaders, which stems from your decisions in the voting and the exercise of democracy.
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The Municipality of Beit Sahour celebrated the opening ceremony of the first phase of a new public park in Beit Sahour on Tuesday February 12th, 2008.The first phase of the park was funded by the United States Agency for International Development, USAID. The inauguration was attended by many official guests and Beit Sahour citizens. Mr. Michael Hess; Assistant Administrator of the Department of democracy and humanitarian assistance at the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, Mr. David Harden Deputy Mission Director of the USAID in the West Bank and Gaza, Dr. Khoulud Deibes; Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and Women's Affairs, MB’s Fuad Kokaly and Issa Qaraqe, former Minister Mr. Mitri Abu Aita, Mr. Kamel Hemid; Director General of the joint councils and the Ministry of Local Government, Mr. Nayef Al-Esawe Director of the Presidential Cabinet in Bethlehem and many civil societies representatives. 
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Dr. Deibes spoke and said that she was happy to be here today to celebrate the opening of the park at the site that witnessed the immortal Christmas hymn and which was the cradle of history and civilizations. She also added that we are happy that we put ourselves on the map of the world and this will be an incentive for us to consolidate the work of peace and justice instead of violence and hostilities.
We also express our appreciation to you for converting this camp to a public park, to a place where you can rest and enjoy time with your children as well as a camp for scouts. Even though, there was a role for the U.S. Agency for International Development in this project, however the larger role is to you and to all who contributed to its success.