JERUSALEM, May 19 (JTA) — Citing deteriorating health, Bethlehem Mayor Elias Freij has resigned as the Palestinian Authority official in charge of tourism. Freij, 80, suffers from heart problems and other ailments. He has been receiving treatment at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem and in Amman, Jordan. Freij sent his letter of resignation this week from a private hospital in Amman, where he is being treated. Freij has served as Bethlehem mayor’s since 1972 and has maintained good ties both with Israel and Jordan.
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