This, despite the fact that many of them have been advised by their government not to travel to Israel at this time. Now it seems as though all this effort is wasted, as over 50 percent of the delegates cannot receive permission to enter Israel. In 1996, verbal assurances were given by the Minister of Tourism, that all delegates to the conference would be welcome and admitted in Israel. In more recent weeks, verbal assurances from the Mayor of Jerusalem and the Minister of the Interior have been given to AD2000 that all delegates would be able to gain entry. Right now, no visas or guarantees have been produced.
Nothing is in writing.
Without written proof, transit visas cannot be obtained and airlines will not allow participants from visa requiring countries to board their planes. Many delegates, in particular those who can least afford it, are facing financial hardship, as their see their savings diminish when they cancel their plane tickets and are charged fees by the airlines. The conference organizers would have taken steps to cancel the conference before the delegates bought their plane tickets had it not been for the verbal assurances AD2000 received, as recent as 14 December, of guaranteed entry. For the conference organizers, there is a real dilemma. We appeal to the government, the labor unions, and organizations and individuals in Israel to assist delegates from around the world to be able to come to Celebrate Messiah 2000 in Jerusalem this Christmas time.