As we are preparing to leave Jerusalem, I have been reflecting upon some of my experiences. I couldn’t help but think of a few things about the Holy City that are displeasing.
1. Light Pollution
Look up at the sky on any night; it is very likely you will only see a few specks in the sky. Besides making a stroll on the Mount of Olives or around the Old City less pleasant, light pollution disconnects people from the natural world. As someone who cares about the environment and the way people interact with it, the invisibility of the night sky due to the city’s lights (from mosques, houses, hotels) is not good. If people have some connection to the natural world, it is more likely that they will care for it.
2. Pushy vendors
Is an explanation really needed?
3. Trash-strewn areas and neighborhoods
The amount of trash not contained in receptacles in many of the neighborhoods in Jerusalem is offensive to all of my senses. My wonderful colleague Kayla writes a little about this phenomenon here: http://blogs.smith.edu/blog/jerusalem2013/2013/05/26/the-symbolism-of-staying-put/
Feel free to disagree with any and all of these points. Or even the post itself.
Mary Ann
At least the streets don’t smell like a combination of piss and garbage like Tel Aviv.
Comment Post for Week 07/28
It’s not the first time that this city has disappointed visitors. Confer our friend Simon Goldhill for examples.
But then again, can Jerusalem perhaps be magical despite those features you raise that happen to be common to all major cities?