Mayor Barakat Running (No, Not Away; Just In NY)

For Immediate Release:

Media Advisory: Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat to Run the ING New York City Marathon on November 1

Jerusalem, Israel, October 20, 2009 – Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat announced his official participation in the ING New York City Marathon as part of a fall tour of North America today. Mayor Barkat will be running to raise awareness of Jerusalem as the top destination site for tourists and pilgrims in the world. Joining Mayor Barkat are more than a dozen friends from around the State of Israel coming to run to show solidarity and support for Jerusalem. Mayor Barkat has a long history supporting athletics, himself having run marathons in Berlin, Paris, and Israel in recent years with his friends...Mayor Barkat’s participation in the ING New York City Marathon will be part of a working tour throughout the United States and Canada.

Mayor Barkat: “I am excited to be running in this year’s ING New York City Marathon. In Jerusalem, we are focused on returning Jerusalem to its historic role as an international destination site for tourists and pilgrims – a task similar to running a marathon. I will be as committed and focused on my mission throughout the marathon as I am in my mission in Jerusalem. Jerusalem and New York City have a special relationship and I look forward to engaging with our friends in New York City again while here.”