Of all the current event subjects one could devote attention to, the NBC Nightly News on Sunday bizarrely ran a two-minute full report on a new hotel in Bethlehem that displays anti-Israel art, and essentially lobbies against the security barrier that was erected over a decade ago to protect Israelis from terrorism. As the piece relayed the artist's opposition to the barrier, nowhere did the report remind viewers of why it was built in the first place: to ward off Palestinian Arab suicide bombers.
Host Kate Snow recalled that the hotel has been named the "Walled Off Hotel" as a political statemnt as she set up the report:
Later this week, a new hotel will officially open in Bethlehem in the West Bank, and the owner calls it the hotel with the worst view in the world. It is the creation of the British grafitti artist known as "Banksy." He's named it the "Walled Off Hotel," and it leaves no doubt where he stands on one of the most divisive issues in the Middle East. Lucy Kafanov explains.
Correspondent Lucy Kafanov began by recalling that the hotel is considered to have the "worst view in the world" because it is right next to the security barrier:
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A room with a view that no one wants to see until now. Welcome to the Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem -- right on a corner of the controversial barrier separating the Palestinian West Bank from Israel. No traditional five-star luxury here, but plenty of political and social commentary. It's just what you'd expect from the elusive street artist known as "Banksy." But why here?
Then came a soundbite of the hotel manager, Wisam Salsaa, who recounted the anonymous artist's opposition to the security barrier: "Banksy never liked the walls, and he always criticized the walls, and his message is that this wall should be knocked down because the wall has two sides, and it's not serving any of the sides."
Kafanov then recalled some of the provocative images that are displayed and suggested that visitors were getting an "education" about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict:
With cherubs on oxygen and classical busts choking on tear gas, it's an ambiance meant to prod and provoke under an ever-watchful eye. Bethlehem's most famous resident (shows painting of Jesus) hasn't been left out. Banksy's art may be worth millions, but rooms go for as cheap as 30 bucks if you don't mind sleeping in bunks scavenged from the army. The education, though, is free.
Below is a complete transcript of the report from the Sunday, March 5, NBC Nightly News:
KATE SNOW: Later this week, a new hotel will officially open in Bethlehem in the West Bank, and the owner calls it the hotel with the worst view in the world. It is the creation of the British grafitti artist known as "Banksy." He's named it the "Walled Off Hotel," and it leaves no doubt where he stands on one of the most divisive issues in the Middle East. Lucy Kafanov explains.
LUCY KAFANOV: A room with a view that no one wants to see until now. Welcome to the Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem -- right on a corner of the controversial barrier separating the Palestinian West Bank from Israel. No traditional five-star luxury here, but plenty of political and social commentary. It's just what you'd expect from the elusive street artist known as "Banksy." But why here?
WISAM SALSAA, WALLED OFF HOTEL MANAGER: Banksy never liked the walls, and he always criticized the walls, and his message is that this wall should be knocked down because the wall has two sides, and it's not serving any of the sides.
KAFANOV: With cherubs on oxygen and classical busts choking on tear gas, it's an ambiance meant to prod and provoke under an ever-watchful eye. Bethlehem's most famous resident (shows painting of Jesus) hasn't been left out. Banksy's art may be worth millions, but rooms go for as cheap as 30 bucks if you don't mind sleeping in bunks scavenged from the army. The education, though, is free.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE #1: So most hotels have a gym. This one has a museum.
KAFANOV: And, like all of Banksy's projects, this one was pulled together in utter secrecy over 14 months. Even the staff were in for a surprise.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE #2: I had no idea who was the boss.
KAFANOV: And secrecy has always been key for the British grafitti artist. Although his identity remains a mystery, his work is everywhere -- from London to L.A. Coming alive two years ago in this exhibit, but unlike Banksy's temporary installations, this one is for keeps, using art in hopes of finding lasting common ground in a place that's had so little of it. Lucy Kafanov, NBC News, London.
