Böll Debate: “The economic collapse of East Jerusalem”

The Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung and Al-Shabaka: The Palestinian Policy Network cordially invite you to join our discussion on the near economic collapse of East Jerusalem. The discussion will focus on the besieged tourism sector, the economic recession of commercial markets in the Old City, and initiatives undertaken by Palestinian organizations to enhance Sumud.

Guests:        

Nur Arafeh: Policy Fellow, Al-Shabaka

Raed Saadeh: President, Arab Hotel Association

Fadi Hidmi: Director General, Jerusalem Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Welcome by Dr. Bettina Marx (hbs)

Moderation by Lama Hourani (hbs)

Date            30 | Nov | 2016                        Time 02:00-4:00
Location      Heinrich Böll Foundation’s Office in Ramallah

(Near Friends Boys School, 5th floor, Conference Room)

While a lot of attention has focused on Israeli policies of house demolitions, residency revocation, child registration problems, etc., this roundtable will focus on the deliberately engineered economic collapse of East Jerusalem, to render life in the city essentially unlivable for Palestinians and thus ensure Jewish control over the city. East Jerusalem’s economic collapse is exemplified by the deterioration of two strategic economic assets of the economy of East Jerusalem: The tourism sector and the commercial markets in the Old City, which will be examined by Al-Shabaka Policy Fellow, Nur Arafeh. Raed Saadeh, a long-time expert in the tourism sector, will focus on the impact of the latest uprising on the tourism sector and the efforts made to revive it. Fadi Hidmi, the Director of the Jerusalem Chamber of Commerce will focus on the trade sector in East Jerusalem and initiatives undertaken to promote it.

The event will be conducted in English and a light lunch will be served.

Please RSVP until Nov 27th at:

ps-trainee1@ps.boell.org
or call 02-2961121