What do President Obama and Formula One racing have in common?
If you live in Jerusalem, this isn’t a trick question. The answer is simple: many people (especially taxi drivers) were
annoyed when President Obama visited Jerusalem back in March, right before
Passover. The visit closed down much of
the city and people were very inconvenienced.
Similarly, many people (especially taxi drivers) are annoyed that
Formula One is coming to Jerusalem today and tomorrow, and expect to be
similarly inconvenienced.
Yes. Believe it or not, there will be a Formula One race
through the narrow streets of Jerusalem this afternoon. I find it hard to believe, too!
Why? Why in heaven’s
name is Formula One racing coming to Jerusalem?
I don’t have a simple answer to that question, other than to say that
the Mayor of Jerusalem, Nir Barkat, apparently likes car racing, and thought it
would be a wonderful way to showcase the city.
(He’s running for re-election, by the way.)
Residents don’t agree.
Closing down much of the city – a very diverse city with very delicate
sensitivities – raises anxiety. The city
is crowded enough as it is; and there are two other special events going on
this week: the annual “Shavua Ha-Sefer” (Book Week Fair) and the
annual Jerusalem Light Festival. Do the
police really need another event to monitor?
To read one Jerusalem journalist’s amusing take on this “historic”
event, click here:
I have to give Mayor Barkat credit. He’s nothing if not
bold.
My response? The classic Jewish one: “Gam zeh
ya’avor” -- “This too shall pass.”
