Plans for Jericho nightclub angers Islamics
SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Wednesday, January 26, 2000
RAMALLAH -- The Palestinian Authority has approved the opening of a
Western-style nightclub in the highly conservative town of Jericho.
Islamic sources said the nightclub would be connected to the nearby
Oasis casino in Jericho, which is off-limits to Palestinians. The nightclub
would serve liquor -- forbidden by Islam -- as well as feature dancing and
other Western-style recreation.
Officials in Jericho said the municipality was not consulted regarding
the nightclub. They said the municipality was kept in the dark.
But Islamic leaders in Jericho attacked the reported project. "Instead
of building factories and finding jobs for the unemployed, they are opening
dens of adultery and promiscuity," said Sheik Harb Jaber, a Hamas-aligned
cleric in Jericho. "This is not what the Palestinian people had longed for."
Palestinian sources said the Oasis had urged the PA to expand its
facilities to include a hotel and recreation center and airport to attract
Western and regional visitors. They said the PA wants to open a second
casino in Ramallah.
Wednesday, January 26, 2000
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