Bahrain Mirror: Bahrain signed an agreement with a synagogue to improve its image in the United States. The Bahraini GDN newspaper said that the "This is Bahrain" campaign that started in Washington and New York last week, as part of the government's efforts to promote itself in the US and fight against the negative image being portrayed, "has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Sixth and I Historic Synagogue in Washington to exchange delegations and experience and hold meetings." The Six and I is considered one of the oldest synagogues in the US.

The building was constructed in Washington in 1908. It hosts religious services for different Jewish denominations in the city.

Sixth & I was named one of America's 25 most vibrant congregations in Newsweek magazine.

According to the Al-Bawaba Business, Bahrain Federation of Expatriate Associations Secretary-General Betsy Mathieson, who is leading the "This is Bahrain" campaign to the US, said: "We are set to work closely together to change negative media perception of the situation in Bahrain."

"This is Bahrain" has already visited Brussels, London, Berlin and Paris. About 200 delegates representing the government participated in the campaign held in Washington and New York from 24-29 September, 2015.

In this context, journalist Ibrahim Al-Shaikh in "Akhbar Al-Khaleej" newspaper, which has close relations with the Bahraini Prime Minister, criticized what he called "wasting hundreds of thousands of Dinars on "This is Bahrain" campaign which is similar to public relations programs rather than organized strategic work."

Al-Shaikh wondered "who came out with this genius idea that includes sending different numbers of delegations to western capitals to visit churches and synagogues and sign agreements that we know nothing about. I don't know if our brothers in the Parliament know anything about them."

He further stated that these delegations have become "a source of continuous provocation to the citizens. "This is Bahrain" and similar campaigns are of no use," criticizing what he described as "Touristic Programs" that may continue to visit other international capitals.

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