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Jerusalem Day? We're just not into it

June 02, 2011 19:41

Despite the protestations of several on this blog (Avraham Reiss, Amber, Yoni etc), Nathan Jeffay - who probably wouldn't mind me saying that he is a Yeled Tov Yerusalaim -- makes it clear in this here paper that non-Orthodox Israelis (that's the majority) are not all that into Jerusalem, united or not.
http://www.thejc.com/comment-and-debate/analysis/49813/most-israelis-not...

f you were in the Old City on Wednesday, watching the throngs of flag-waving youngsters celebrating the day, it was easy to get the impression that nothing has changed. But while there are celebrations in Jerusalem, in Tel Aviv, or in the rest of Israel, they are less common every year. It is the "national holiday" that is fast becoming a regional holiday.
The one group retaining it as a truly national holiday is the religious community. Synagogues across the country recite special prayers and hold celebratory events.
How is this change explained?
In part it is a natural historical process - the feelings of impending danger felt before the Six-Day War and the jubilation afterwards are fading, and simultaneously, Israelis, like people elsewhere in the West, are becoming less ideological.

Most Israelis view Jerusalem as a different planet. They feel no connection with Shu'afat, Issawiya, Wadi Joz etc.

June 02, 2011 19:41

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