The sky is big here- all the buildings are small, it feels like many small towns put together, and not a city at all.
There are no tourists, there are only visitors, on birthright, to see family, for religion… no one comes to Jerusalem just to eat, just to take photos. The city reflects this – it speaks international languages and means something to everyone. You do not come with dirty money here, or ruinous sameness. Everyone is from somewhere and more often than not, to say you are from Jerusalem seems to be a political choice, a politesse or a determined neutrality. Welcome, says everyone. Some, Welcome to Palestine. Some, Welcome to Israel. But all, welcome. What you say to their welcome changes the city, whether you stay changes the city, and they know this. It is a city of people continually trying to change it. Many love Jerusalem, but none would keep it as it is.
A note from my journal that day:
ReplyDeleteThe sky is big here- all the buildings are small, it feels like many small towns put together, and not a city at all.
There are no tourists, there are only visitors, on birthright, to see family, for religion… no one comes to Jerusalem just to eat, just to take photos. The city reflects this – it speaks international languages and means something to everyone. You do not come with dirty money here, or ruinous sameness. Everyone is from somewhere and more often than not, to say you are from Jerusalem seems to be a political choice, a politesse or a determined neutrality. Welcome, says everyone. Some, Welcome to Palestine. Some, Welcome to Israel. But all, welcome. What you say to their welcome changes the city, whether you stay changes the city, and they know this. It is a city of people continually trying to change it. Many love Jerusalem, but none would keep it as it is.
Nice musical choices Rihab, I really like how each song is about Jerusalem!
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