The northern coastal city of Acco (Acre) is celebrating the decision by UNESCO to declare its Old City a World Historical Site, thus joining 102 other places in the Middle East with similar status and rendering it eligible for international aid for various projects. Acco Mayor Dr. Shmaryahu Biran told Arutz-7 today that tens of millions of dollars have already been invested in uncovering, preserving, and strengthening many aspects of Old Acre.
\"We are one of only 500 cities in the world, such as Venice, that have received this honor, and the first in Israel,\" Mayor Biran said. \"Masada [on the Dead Sea] also just received this honor, but as a site, not as a city. The ramifications are tremendous. It will make Acco into a worldwide tourism site, and attract international investment to build hotels and tourist attractions, which will help the city thrive… It will also be a \'reminder\' for Israeli government offices to realize that Acre is a city worth investing in… We are currently planning 18 different projects. For instance, we have 256 housing units facing the water that we want to preserve and beautify - it will be a display window for the Old City…\"
In other Acco news today, Transportation Minister Ephraim Sneh and Israel Railways Chairman Yossi Snir dedicated the city\'s new train station. The facility includes a 200-car parking lot, a large waiting hall, two tracks connected by an underground passage, and a special handicapped-friendly elevator. Sneh said that the station will shorten the trip between Haifa and Nahariya (Acco is situated in between them), as well as increase the route\'s frequency. A train route from Acco eastward to Karmiel will enter the planning stages next year.
\"We are one of only 500 cities in the world, such as Venice, that have received this honor, and the first in Israel,\" Mayor Biran said. \"Masada [on the Dead Sea] also just received this honor, but as a site, not as a city. The ramifications are tremendous. It will make Acco into a worldwide tourism site, and attract international investment to build hotels and tourist attractions, which will help the city thrive… It will also be a \'reminder\' for Israeli government offices to realize that Acre is a city worth investing in… We are currently planning 18 different projects. For instance, we have 256 housing units facing the water that we want to preserve and beautify - it will be a display window for the Old City…\"
In other Acco news today, Transportation Minister Ephraim Sneh and Israel Railways Chairman Yossi Snir dedicated the city\'s new train station. The facility includes a 200-car parking lot, a large waiting hall, two tracks connected by an underground passage, and a special handicapped-friendly elevator. Sneh said that the station will shorten the trip between Haifa and Nahariya (Acco is situated in between them), as well as increase the route\'s frequency. A train route from Acco eastward to Karmiel will enter the planning stages next year.