There undoubtedly are good Arabs in Nablus, but opponents to the sister city project are not so ignorant that they don’t know that Nablus, and the Palestinian Authority, discriminate against homosexuals, incite terror and accept “honor killings” of women.
“Nablus is well known for its terrorism,” said Boulder’s Mimi Ito. “The culture is one of intolerance, hate and violence.”
Nablus already has 11 sister cities, so it is hardly lacking help. Its sisters are located in Europe, including four in Italy and others from Russia to Norway and Ireland.
The proponents of the project were charmed with Nablus hosts when they visited, and what host would not put on his best airs when foreigners come to show how peace-loving they are?
“Several speakers volunteered in Nablus through Project Hope, saying they found the people to be welcoming and generous and never feared for their safety,” according to the Camera. “Others complained that those in opposition are basing their arguments on ‘racist caricatures.’”
Sara Fitouri, who taught in a classroom in Nablus, said opponents are casting an entire city as terrorists. Instead, she said, the students she taught have the same hopes and dreams as students in Boulder.
Of course, they do. Except for those who don’t, primarily the political leaders who exploit all of these bleeding heart projects to damn Israel.
By the way, no one in Boulder, or in Italy, Russia and the rest of Europe, ever thought of twinning with Jewish communities around Shechem.
Come to think of it, Boulder does not have any sister city anywhere in Israel.
Of course not. That would be too political.