Ben-Gurion Airport
Photo: Gilad Kavalerchik
Not only for Jews
Photo: Reuters
Muslim prayer room set up at Ben-Gurion Airport
Israel Airports Authority reveals plans to set up a Muslim prayer room at country's international airport in bid to build bridges with Israeli Arabs
The Israel Airports Authority (IAA) Thursday ordered the establishment of a Muslim prayer room at Ben-Gurion International Airport to serve the port's Muslim passengers.
The room, 20 square meters (215.28 square feet) in size, will be lined up in a southeasterly direction and will include an alcove facing Mecca. Rugs will cover its floor and a 35-centemeter (13.65-inch) high bench will be installed.
A small library of Quran books will also feature in the facility, which was conceived by officials at the Ministry of the Interior.
"The initiative to set up is another step in efforts undertaken by the IAA to improve relations with the Arab sector, and came about after requests to the IAA that a prayer room be established. The initiative is part of a number of projects initiated by the Israel Airport Authority to improve relations with the sector," IAA CEO Gabi Ophir said.
The IAA says that a 24-7 team has been set up to relay to the management demands and complaints by minorities.
Team members also assist Arabic speaking passengers at terminals and security check posts.
The Citizens' Accord Forum between Jews and Arabs in Israel conceived the plan that aims at encouraging dialogue between Arab passengers and the IAA.
The IAA recently launched an Arabic-speaking version of its website.
