The ancient pool that provided water to Jerusalem in the time of Jesus was born, restored with funds from the United States.
AFP news agency, Tuesday (10/10/2017) launch, the US provides funds amounting to 750 thousand US dollars for the repair.
Three pools of Solomon near Bethlehem in the West Bank were built around the time of Jesus' birth.
Based on the research results of the Institute for Palestine Studies (IPS), at that time, the place was the main water source for the entire city.
The results of the study say that the first channel that drains water to the pools in the south, is estimated to be built in the time of King Herod, between the year 37 and 4 BC.
Over 2,000 years since that time, the pools have collapsed and only two of the three ponds are filled with water.
In fact, one of the oldest pools is in a very bad condition.
Since 1993, at least six people have drowned in the pools.
The US consulate in Jerusalem, which provides funds for restoration, hopes to see the pools turn out to be part of a major tourist site in the West Bank.
The area has been occupied by Israel since 1967.
"This project is more than just protecting history, it's about protecting the lives and livelihoods of the people who live here now," said US Consul General Donald Blome.
The grant comes as US President Donald Trump tries to convince Palestinian and Israeli leaders to restart stalled peace talks.
The United States is also about to provide economic support to the Palestinians and become a major pillar for the United States to build peace efforts.
"(Trump) has made it clear that an important element for the achievement of peace will open up its full potential for the Palestinian economy," Blome said.
The high locations of the hills, with dry conditions throughout the year, make Jerusalem a region that has always suffered water shortages throughout its history.
George Bassous, general manager of Solomon's pool, said the site had been neglected for a long time.
"The importance of this site comes from the fact that for centuries it has become a shelter that provides water for Jerusalem."
"So it is our duty to protect and restore it," said Bassous.
