Holy Land: Russia to fund restoration of Star Street in Bethlehem

Source: Fides

The Russian government has agreed to finance a major restoration and reconstruction project in the historic centre of Bethlehem.

In particular, urban renovation works will focus on 'Star Street', which crosses the old city of Bethlehem, and the adjacent streets.

Mr Aydar Aganin, head of the Office of Representation of Russia to the Palestinian National Authority said the project for renovating streets and buildings will be realized in collaboration with the Palestinian Ministry of Finance and the authorities of the municipality of Bethlehem, led by mayor Vera Baboun. The renovation works will start this September.

Star Street, about a kilometre long, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as the 'Pilgrims Route' in 2012. It begins at the roundabout of the Catholic Action Centre and ends at the arch called Zarrarah, also known by locals as 'Damascus Gate', an ancient entrance to the city. According to tradition, it is believed that Mary and Joseph travelled on this road when they arrived in Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus.

In recent years, this lively street has suffered the crisis and the decline that afflicts all of Bethlehem, since it was surrounded by the massive 'separation wall' and the development of the illegal Israeli settlements.

During his recent visit to Moscow, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was also received at the St Daniel Monastery by Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and all Russians. During that meeting on 12 May, Patriarch Kirill repeated to President Abbas that the concern for the preservation of sacred places "is in the heart of every Orthodox", and recalled that "throughout the history of his presence in the Holy Land, the Russian Church has always sought to help the Palestinian people, even by building schools and medical facilities."

There was a time when the Russian Church was not able to carry out this mission, but the Patriarch said: "We are pleased that Russia is now continuing the humanitarian mission in Palestinian territories."