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News Brief No. 8; November 9, 1998Safeguarding Old Bethlehem Urban Rehabilitation Unit Underway A concrete pillar stands awkwardly, almost blocking the narrow passageway in the old city of Bethlehem. A modern cubic structure placed on top of the ancient house takes air and light from the surrounding historic buildings. Such unhappy examples are all too common, as human resources and expertise in the field of conservation and restoration is lacking all over Palestine. But this is about to change soon. The Urban Rehabilitation Unit, currently being established with the help of the French Government, will support the preservation of the historic structures in the Bethlehem district. A team of experts will supervise and guide all rehabilitation work. Inhabitants of the old city can get professional advice how to repair or restore their buildings, as well as what materials to use and how to get help for financing their plans. Courses will be held for architects and other professionals to train them in modern conservation and restoration techniques. Lectures and exhibitions concerning conservation architecture will be held to raise awareness for the protection of cultural heritage.
The implementation of the 250 000 US $ project is well under way. On Monday the 19th of October 1998, an agreement was signed by H.E. Stanislas de Laboulaye, Consul General of France; Dr. Nabeel Kassis, Minister and Co-ordinator General of the Bethlehem 2000 Project, and representatives of "Dar Mansour", the future location of the Unit. "Dar Mansour", is a beautiful and very typical late 19. century building in the heart of the old city of Bethlehem. The restoration of the house will serve as an example of proper conservation works that should encourage owners and inhabitants of historic buildings to preserve their houses. Restoration work will start in January and is expected to be completed by summer 1999. NEWS
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