Jerusalem bridge may divide Jerusalem, but it looks really cool

June 27, 2008 - 1:50 PM by

The new Bridge of Strings was dedicated this week in Jerusalem. Designed by famed Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the construction of the bridge has not been without controversy. Outrageous traffic jams, increasing costs and even cracks (yes, cracks) in the bridge and other problems have made for a PR nightmare for the municipality. On Wednesday the bridge was officially dedicated and a ceremony was held at the outrageous cost of over 2 million shekel. Calatrava Bridge of Strings

On one hand, its incredible that Jerusalem can host such an architectural marvel which is incredibly cool looking. On the other hand the bridge cost over 240 million shekel and won’t even function as it was intended (for the light rail) for at least another two years. 240 million shekel is a hell of a lot of money to spend on something so extravagant in the poorest city in the country.

The ceremony itself was not without controversy either. A girls dance troupe were forced to cover up after their costumes were deemed immodest.

…the girls, who ranged in age from 13 to 16, were informed by production organizers several hours before the event that at the municipality’s instruction they had to don black knitted hats and wear long clothing for the performance, said Shlomi Hoffman, the director of the Jerusalem dance troupe…

…The head of the dance troupe noted that the girls – who were also informed an hour before the event that they could not perform three out of four of their planned dances – had danced in the official state Independence Day ceremony just one month ago on Mount Herzl in virtually the same attire.

“This was not a religious event or an event at the Western Wall, but an event for the public at large for the inauguration of a bridge,” Hoffman said.

Secular and National Religious remain the majority of Jerusalem’s population and the forcing of the modest dress upon the young dance troupe is being touted in the media as a move by haredi forces who do not want to see Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianski as the haredi candidate in the upcoming election. No one saw it coming, but the election for Jerusalem’s next mayor apparently started Wednesday night.

Tags: , , , , , , • Category: Art, design, Travel 

Comments

3 Comments on Jerusalem bridge may divide Jerusalem, but it looks really cool

  1. David-Joe on Sat, Jun 28th 2008 1:43 AM

    2. What has happened to the Zionist Israel of my birth? It is dead. And in its place there are weak pathetic men and women that govern.

    And like a third world nation it builds ugly, irrelevant bridges while there are people struggling to live.

    And the added insult is that it is designed by a Spanish architect. The architects of the Spanish Inquisition are laughing while they burn in hell!

    And Israel, with eroding self-esteem seeks to be liked in Europe. Has Israel not learned that Israel is the country of the Jewish people. And that it can never be considered by the goyim like all others.

    How many times must the Jewish people be reminded of just who we are??

    I am not an oleh or sipporter from outside. I am Sabra raised on the fields of Israel and therefore I do not look at Israel with rose tinted spectacles. I see the reality of its soul. I know an Israel that was better and could be ideologically great again.

    The greatest disgrace remains the lack of will of Israel to defend Sderot. And if a government cannot defend its people, what is its purpose? There is none. And that was recognized by the greatest political figure, Thomas Jefferson.

  2. jessica on Sun, Jun 29th 2008 12:10 PM

    3. It is great looking, but depends on your approach. From afar, the bridge really soars and accomplishes its task as an architectural wonder. But the closer you get, it looks bizarre, stuck among the shabby hi-rise apts at the entrance to the city.

  3. Ziv on Sun, Jun 29th 2008 1:48 PM

    4. Yeah, the bridge offers a great photo-op, but it’s not so impressive from close distance at daylight.

Leave a Comment





© 2012 ISRAELITY | Site by illuminea | Sitemap