Kodima News

[Kodima]

8 Shevat 5782

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PRINCE MAKES FIRST SOLO TRIP TO JERUSALEM

Prince Meir has today flown to the Holy City of Jerusalem on a three day visit which marks his first trip there with no other members of the Imperial Family. The 24 year old Prince is the heir to the throne and as such owns the title Duke of the Dung Gate, in reference to one of the many entrances to the Holy City. The visit to the Gate is an annual one undertaken by the family and usually coincides with the Emperor visiting the Gate of Mercy which he holds the title of Duke for. On this occasion though Prince Meir has gone alone and was spotted carrying out what is largely a symbolic inspection of the gate which he is duty bound to pay to have maintained. Following this he was seen distributing sweets to visitors to the city entering via the gate and holding conversations with several people heading to the Western Wall. The Prince himself went to pray there before joining Kodiman students based in the city for a walking tour of many of the cities Holy Sites. This evening he will host a dinner at the Kodima Embassy in the city which it is hoped the Vanoran Head of State, Duke David Aragon, will attend along with several other guests.

A spokesman for the Prince stated, "The Imperial Family are proud of their association with the city and with our cousins in Vanora. Prince Meir has enjoyed his first day in the city and is excited for the remainder of his visit." The Prince has recently graduated from University with a degree in Classical Art and is said to be keen to visit some of the non-Jewish sites on the city to view some significant art works. He has also cited his desire to visit the site of Masada, famed for a last stand by a group of Jewish fighters  around 2000 years ago. The Prince has formally requested to be able to walk the old siege ramp which is normally not permissible for tourists due to the desire to preserve the site. It has not yet been confirmed whether this request has been granted. On the final day of his journey the Prince will tour the Mount of Olives where some of his families ancestors are buried and is expected to leave several visitation stones.

It is expected that the Emperor will make his annual visit at some point in the summer where he is said to be keen to discuss easier access for Kodimans to visit Vanora.

[Kodima]

13 Adar I 5782

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EMPEROR GATE PROPOSAL REJECTED

Following a phone call between Emperor Malachi and Duke David Aragon the Emperor's proposal to re-open the Golden Gate, sometimes called the Gate of Mercy, has been rejected. In Jewish tradition it is said that when the Messiah arrives he will enter the city through this gate however in 1187 after being captured by Muslims in the Crusades. The gate provided one of few entrances directly to the Temple Mount however today it has been transformed into a mosque. The proposal of reopening the gate would have seen funds made avaliable for a new structure near the Al-Aqsa Mosque while preserving access to the city itself. The offer of funds from Kodima were rejected as was the proposal. Emperor Malachi said, "I am saddened that more of our heritage is kept away from us and there are rumours that the construction of the mosque there has destroyed Jewish artefacts. People may believe that keeping the gate bricked up will prevent us experiencing the return of the Messiah but to him I suspect a simple stone wall will prove no obstacle"

The gate had been visited by Prince Meir when he recently visited the city.