An airport that makes a statement

December 25, 2009 - 10:39 AM by

Ben Gurion AirportThe only thing better than going on vacation is coming home…at least for those on the receiving end. There’s something deliciously exciting about waiting at the exit from baggage claim and customs at the airport for your loved ones to appear. And while you don’t want to spend the entire time anxiously staring at the sliding glass, you know you can’t avert your eyes lest you miss the exact moment the doors swoosh open, revealing your tired arrival, laden with bags filled with goodies from America.

But when our 16-year-old daughter returned earlier this week from the U.S., my eyes momentarily gazed upwards and the scene above was not what I expected.

The ceiling at Ben Gurion’s arrival hall is no mere functional covering like you might see at a more pedestrian airport. It is really quite majestic…and I’m not just saying that as a patriotic Israeli.

Rising 4 stories and supported by large Greek columns (not sure what the symbolism there is), the space makes a bold statement. It says in essence: you are here and that’s important, so we will honor you with a ceremonial space commensurate with your commitment to visit, return or immigrate.

The contrast with the old airport building is stark. The Ben Gurion to which I made aliyah was crowded, hot and with an entirely ordinary roof. The doors still swooshed open but the smaller space meant that the throngs of welcoming family members crushed on top of each other. No majesty there.

Frankly, it’s a wonder that the new airport got built at all. We Israelis are not known for our long term planning. If the payoff is too far out, our self-interested politicians are reluctant to spend their personal capital on a project that someone else will ultimately get the credit for.

That the airport came out as lovely and luxurious as it did fills me with blue and white delight… and hope that when the Jerusalem light rail, the fast train or any number of long-delayed transportation endeavors are completed, they too will inspire pride in what we can accomplish with foresight, tenacity…and four story tall spaces with large Greek columns.

Tags: • Category: A New Reality, design, Immigrant Moments, Israeliness 

Comments

One Comment on An airport that makes a statement

  1. Joel Katz on Fri, Dec 25th 2009 3:31 PM

    2. Here’s a great photo of the Arrival Hall: http://ow.ly/PwCb

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