The mayor of the West Bank Christian town of Beit Jala, near Bethlehem, on Wednesday dropped a bombshell by admitting that he also works as a sales representative for Tnuva, the Israeli food processing cooperative specializing in milk and dairy products.
Nicola Khamis made the admission during an interview with the Palestinian Wattan TV.
The mayor’s revelation drew strong condemnations, and many satirical remarks, from a large number of Palestinians on social media.
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“Some say that the reason behind the recent decline in your popularity is attributed to the fact that in addition to your job as mayor, you are also the representative of the Israeli company Tnuva in the [Bethlehem] area. What is your response to this claim?” Khamis was asked.
The mayor replied: “I’m glad you asked this question. I’m a representative of the Tnuva company,” he said, adding that he had been for some time. “I’m like any Palestinian citizen, like anyone from Palestine who goes out to work in settlements. We built their settlements, we built their houses, we paved their roads, we worked in their homes. This is our situation. All the people are seeking to earn a living.”
Here’s a few other reactions not being widely reported.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh: “Pox on your house for betraying our cause, but I do understand the allure of Tnuva. It is seductively delicious.”
Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat: “Pfft! You moonlight as a sales rep for Tnuva?” I moonlight as the Batman!”
