With Ramadan beginning for local Muslims Thursday, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat releases a video message in which he says the city has made “unprecedented preparations” for the holy month.
He also says many Arab residents of the city were secretly happy with the US decision to transfer its embassy to the city, which he says will help bolster the city’s status and improve quality of life for residents.
“I am sure that many of you were happy too, even if you did not express your happiness in public. The Arab residents of Jerusalem understand more than ever that the transfer of the American Embassy to Jerusalem, along with many other embassies, is great news and a blessing for all the residents of the city, Jews and Arabs alike,” he says.
The American decision has drawn widespread anger from Muslims around the world and in Jerusalem. Several hundred people protested outside the embassy as it was inaugurated Monday.
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