Although I commend him for caring deeply about his city and its future, I fear Mr. Barakat's plan for revitalizing Jerusalem has a major flaw and that is the extreme unrest between Palestine and Israel. Nothing can be done to enhance Jersualem as a whole, until East Jerusalem and West Jerusalem (Palestine and Isreael) make peace, divide the holy city and absolutely stop fighting. The threat of violence is still violence. I would love to visit Jerusalem (both Palestinian-East and Israeli-West). But, until there is peace in that region of the world - the internet is the closest I, and many others, will get - no matter how attractive you make it appear. The undercurrent of violence is still there and must be fully eliminated before you could entice me, and many others, to take the risk and visit. I would rather witness Israel funding a lucrative relocation of Israelis from the Gaza and West Bank. I'd like to see Israel spending funds to create strong, economic neighborhoods for these relocated individuals to start a new life well within Israeli boundaries, than watch Israel spend any money attempting to revitalize Jerusalem at this time. There is too much uncertainty and potential violence in the region. Once peace is established - the sooner the better - you will have SWARMS of people from around the world anxious to visit the entire region. Look at the millions of people who attended the Pope's funeral (bless his soul). Those numbers could easily be repeated over and over again by eager tourists if the threat of bombs blasting, beheadings and slum camps were eliminated in the region. I feel it is up to Israel to be the supreme peace maker. That is not such a bad reputation is it? Bless those Israelis who are willing to return to Israel proper and allow the Palestinians space. That selfless act will not go unnoticed by man or God. Thank you.

The biggest reason people visit Israel is because it is the physical and spiritual Holy Land of Jews and spiritual Holy Land of Christians. When Jordan invaded Judea-Samaria (the West Bankl) and east Jerusalem, Jordan ethnically cleansed ALL Jews from those areas. Jordan in their opposition to G-d, and Judaism, destroyed 58 synagogues in Jerusalem. Muslims continue their opposition to G-d, desecrating and destroying Jewish and Christian holy sites. Muslims murdered IDF soldiers at Joseph's Tomb, destroyed the Tomb and BURNT BIBLES, opposing G-d and G-d's laws that protect. Joseph is the Bible hero of Jews and Christians; considered a role model for his love and obedience to G-d and G-d's laws. Muslims invaded and desecrated Jesus birthplace, Church of Nativity, and TORE UP BIBLES FOR TOILET PAPER. There are many who want Jews ethnically cleansed AGAIN from the Biblical heartland. They are eager to deny Jews and Christians their holy sites. There are 22 HUGE Arab states covering over six million square miles, over ten percent of the land surface of earth, with great oil wealth. TINY Israel is one tenth of one percent of the Middle East.