Store owners in downtown Jerusalem will lose an estimated NIS 25 million during the upcoming visit from United States President George Bush, businessman Rami Mandel said Tuesday. Mandel, head of the Jerusalem Chamber of Commerce, explained that several roads near the city center would be blocked off, limiting access to the downtown area during days when consumers often buy more than usual in preparation for Shabbat.
Other businesses, including hotels, taxi services, restaurants, and bars, are expected to gain from Bush’s visit. Thousands of hotel rooms have been reserved for Bush, his entourage, and Israeli and American security personnel.