'Open Bethlehem' gains international platform

Chiswick based web-agency gives civil society a voice

Open Bethlehem, a civil society initiative established to attract business and tourism to the city in light of the Israeli government’s decision to erect a security wall around the city’s boundaries, launched its official website www.openbethlehem.org today with the help of Chiswick-based web agency pedalo limited.

The website provides the initiative with an international platform to promote their agenda of encouraging people to visit Bethlehem, and investors and organisers with bold creative projects and events to choose the city as a centre.  The site also features a wealth of information about the city’s past and present, illustrating the city’s rich history and current political and social environment through a comprehensive photo gallery.

Supported by the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce and Paltrade, Palestine’s national trade development organisation, the website also provides information and resources for international businesses, organisations and tourists looking to visit, host events and establish projects in the city.

pedalo director Tom Porter says, “One of the most interesting aspects of the site is the information regarding the city’s decision to grant Bethlehem passports, which is an honorary citizenship open to all people of the world for as long as Bethlehem’s prison wall is standing.  Visitors can also show their support for the initiative by posting a message on the site and by subscribing to the Open Bethlehem mailing list."

For more information about the initiative contact 020 7222 8443 or 020 7222 5479, email openbethlehem@bethlehem.edu, or visit www.openbethlehem.org.

pedalo limited are a design and web development agency specialising in delivering websites that communicate information in an effective and appealing way. Their list of clients includes local charity the MicroLoan Foundation. 

November 9, 2005