Jerusalem happenings

Three separate events occured in in Jerusalem, independent but not without connections. The major one was the opening on Wednesday of the new bridge at the entrance to the city. This is an impressive and beautiful structure consisting of a very tall metal spike with cables strung on both sides looking rather like a harp, that holds up a single curved span. This is supposed to be deliberate according to the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, since Jerusalem is David's City. As usual the construction was over-budget and cost ca. m$80, that some think could have been spent more usefully elsewhere and others call it a bridge of strings and a phallic symbol. But, the light rail system is not yet completed and is not expected to be operational for another two years and the bridge will no doubt become a symbol for Jerusalem itself. At the ceremony a controversy was caused by an order from the City administration that a group of young female dancers must "cover up" - they were forced to wear woolen hats and long costumes - and were dubbed "the Taliban" dancers. This outraged many people and may tell against Orthodox Mayor Lupolianski in the next election.
On Thursday, the Gay Pride parade was held in Jerusalem. As usual this was opposed by a coalition of ultra-orthodox groups, who tried to stop it or at least reduce it. They argue that Jerusalem is a sacred city and so such "abominations" as the Gay Pride march are inappropriate. Of course, the gays argue that they are residents of Jerusalem and have the right to defy the strictures of the religious establishment. Since the parade has been held in one way or another for 4 years, it proceeded without incident, and eventually may peter out. Gay pride parades are held in many cities around the world, and particularly in Tel Aviv where it seems appropriate, but it doesn't fit Jerusalem.
A demonstration of "messianic Jews" is due to take place in Jerusalem this weekend. About 300 from the US joined by local adherents are planning to protest alleged discrimation against them as Jews. They claim that they are Jews and should be treated as everyone else in Israel, but in fact many Jews and Israelis reject them. They claim both to be genuine Jews, born of Jewish mothers and accepting Jewish history and culture, but they are believers in Jesus as the Messiah. This seems contradictory to many Jews, but there are 80 congregations of them in the US and their numbers seems to be growing. The ultra-orthodox will no doubt find their presence in Jerusalem as particularly unpleasant, but the only answer for them is to pray and have faith. There is no doubt that Jerusalem is a magnet for all kinds of strange people.