Jerusalem reopens popular Old City gate

Jerusalem: One of four main gates to
Jerusalem`s Old City has been reopened after a two-month
restoration project.

Jaffa Gate is the most common entrance for tourists
entering the Old City, home to key Jewish, Christian and
Muslim holy sites.
In 2007, the Israel Antiquities Authority began a USD 4
million project to restore all two and a half miles of the
Old City`s ancient walls. The project replaced broken stones,
reattached an elaborate inscription above the gate and cleaned
the facade with lye.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat says the city has a duty to
restore historical sites.
But any construction in the area has the potential to
ignite tensions between Israelis and Palestinians.

Today`s ceremony proceeded peacefully.

PTI