Jordanian mayor apologises for helping Israeli tourists

A Jordanian mayor apologized yesterday for his interaction with a group of Israeli tourists after his hospitality toward them triggered a protest, angry meetings, a social media backlash, and a resignation, Arab News reported. Ibrahim Karim Karaki, who is mayor of Karak, organized a daylong tour for the visitors during the Jewish Passover holiday.

He was seen on Israeli media helping them to cross a valley that is closed to tourists. He also fed the group, which included children, and presented them with plaques of appreciation from the city. His attentiveness angered Karak residents, who viewed it as an act of normalization.

Karaki’s apology video, which was posted on the city council’s Facebook page, followed social media attacks, the resignation of a council member, angry town hall meetings at the headquarters of professional unions, and a protest after Friday prayers.