Eliminating problems and misunderstandings between the religions and governmental entities is enormously important. Too many times, erroneous and inflammatory press reports have created artificial obstacles. When there are genuine disagreements, problems created by those with differing goals and agendas makes matters worse.
Pave the Way remains diligent in countering erroneous press reports, by responding immediately, eliminating questionable policy or clarifying specific issues.
For example, an unauthorized policy was put into place, demanding that anyone wishing to enter the Palestinian territories must have written authorization from the Israeli government. A handout was given to all newly arriving tourists. PTWF was notified that this policy had the potential to create a major clash between religions and further depress the already decimated tourism industry. We inquired with the Israeli Ambassador to the Holy See, Oded Ben-Hur, and he acted immediately to remove this potentially damaging policy.
A change in the ministry of the Interior of Israel, caused a temporary backlog of visa renewals. PTWF was contacted about some very damaging press reports in Italy. The reports claimed that none of the Catholic caretaker visas were being renewed in Israel. It further stated that the caretakers were all subject to arrest and expulsion. PTWF immediately contacted The Ministry of the Interior, and alerted him to this press report. An emergency session of the Ministry was called and 50% of the visas were renewed within 2 weeks, thus addressing the problem head on, and acting to end it.