We the owners of the Paradise Hotel in Bethlehem would like to inform you that during the Israeli re-occupation of Bethlehem, October 18-28/ 2001, The Israeli Military forces seized our Hotel and turned it into a military base and battle zone. Since the first moment the Israeli Army encroached the Hotel, We were denied entry to our own property. Moreover, guns and rifles were pointed at our heads.
Bethlehem Nov 7, 2001
To Whom It may concern:
Dear Sir,
We the owners of the Paradise Hotel in Bethlehem would like to inform you that during the Israeli re-occupation of Bethlehem, October 18-28/ 2001, The Israeli Military forces seized our Hotel and turned it into a military base and battle zone. Since the first moment the Israeli Army encroached the Hotel, We were denied entry to our own property. Moreover, guns and rifles were pointed at our heads.
As a result of the Israeli forces setting in our Hotel and consequent confrontations with the Palestinians in the neighborhood, the Hotel suffered enormous destruction and damage that included a blaze which completely destroyed the following:
60 bedrooms, the lobby, the reception desk, two elevators, the laundry, all the offices, all the stores, the bar, part of the dining room, the gift shop and the fashion shop.
The belongings of all the above mentioned were also completely destroyed.
In addition, deliberate and vicious vandalism was carried out by the Israeli soldiers that included the following:
- Breaking a considerable number of doors
- Breaking the glass of all the windows
- Damaging all armchair and couches by using them as shooting shields.
- Spoiling food supplies.
- Using food bushels as barricades.
Preliminary estimate to the damage in the hotel is US$ 2,000,000.
Paradise Hotel (165 rooms) was built in 1985, and became the most well known hotel in the area. In addition, it largely helped promote tourism not only in Bethlehem, but also in the Holy Land. It was characterized by distinguished international relations.
Paradise Hotel was also renowned for being a dialogue and meeting center between peace -loving people that included Palestinians, Israelis, Europeans, and Americans.
However, we are fully determined to rebuild our hotel and resume our work in the field of tourism, hoping the peace will finally prevail in the region and praying to God to make love and forgiveness defeat hostility and grudge.
Finally, we will greatly appreciate any contribution on your parts to rebuild our hotel and enable us come over this very critical situation since we are on the brink of bankruptcy.
With respect
Sincerely Yours
Basil Abu-Aita
General Manager
