Israeli mayor suggests Gaza flotilla become hotel

by Meg Nesterov on

After the deadly May flotilla raid off the Gaza coast in Israel, the Turkish Mavi Marmara vessel has been docked and held in the city of Haifa, where it awaits an internal investigation. While Turkish authorities are demanding the return of the ship, Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav is advocating for the ship to be converted into a floating hotel. Yahav hopes it can be “an international symbol of reconciliation and hope” and notes that Haifa, about 90 miles north of the Gaza strip, has become “a symbol of coexistence and cooperation between all religions“.

Meanwhile, Israel has just lifted an advisory on travel to Turkey, where 150,000 tourists were expected this summer.

What’s your opinion on the flotilla hotel? Leave them in the comments below.

[Via Today’s Zaman]

[Photo credit: Wikipedia Commons]

Small town in Israel hopes to get tourism boost from mermaid sightings

by Katie Hammel on

The small town of Kiryat Yam, near Haifa in Israel, may have a mermaid living in its waters. At least, the town council hopes they do. They say that dozens of people, in separate incidents, have reported seeing a half-girl, half-fish creature that jumps like a dolphin and plays in the sea at sunset.

The council is now offering a $1 million reward to anyone who can prove the mermaid does exist. Capturing her is not necessary; the council will accept photographic evidence. As a ploy to boost tourism, it seems to be working. According to ABC News, visitors are packing the shores each evening, trying to catch a glimpse of Israel’s Ariel. A rep for the town council says it is not a hoax to bring in more visitors, but adds “I believe if there really is a mermaid, then so many people will come to Kiryat Yam, a lot more money will be made then $1 million.”

So, who wants to go to Israel with me? i just need to pack my Little Mermaid costume and my Nikon.