Jerusalem between Greeks and Macabees



Looking at Jerusalem’s skyline, it is no wonder some have joked that the national bird of Israel should be the Crane, given the large amount of construction this city is enduring.
The controversy about the light railway bridge well reflects the dilemma about the future face of Jerusalem.


It is no secret that Jerusalem desperately needs a mass transit makeover. Jerusalem is the largest city in Israel, and some 900,000 residents are expected to live in the city by 2020!!.
The light rail system is part of a comprehensive systemic solution, combining public transportation within and to the city, private vehicles, "Park and ride" lots, pedestrians and bicyclists, new city center traffic and parking arrangements, and a system of arterial roads and beltways.

The Bridge, designed by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, is a spectacular cable-stayed bridge with a single inclined pylon that creates a clear visual direction towards the city. Often referred to as the ‘Bridge of Strings’ this modern masterpiece is suspended from 66 white cables attached to a spire 387ft high. Some say the bridge looks like the biblical David's harp. Others find it resembles a crooked nail.

As usual, when it comes to Jerusalem, everything has added meaning. Conflict surrounding the new transportation array and the bridge reflect the continued discord of Jerusalem.

Viewing the controversy of the bridge through the story of Chanukah suggests that the battle between Greeks and Jews is still relevant. Like 2000 years ago, there’s a wide spectrum of opinions about how to relate to foreign influences.. Should Jerusalem (or Israel) try to mimic western countries using personal history as “decoration”? Or should modernism be used to make life more comfortable, but just as an assistance to preserve the uniqueness of Jerusalem as the holiest place on earth?


For now, construction is still humming. Still, many of the shops on Jaffa road lost a lot of business. While the light rail project seems to be going forward, being in the Middle East we know that the plan for an updated dedication in 2010 should be taken with a grain of salt
In the meantime Jerusalemites are hoping and waiting for the busses…