Jerusalem Cultural Events And Street Fairs Set off New Round of Eida Protests

The City of Jerusalem has ramped up it's support for cultural events in the city, for all sectors, with a large variety of events in different parts of the city.

The Eida HaChareidis is calling for a large demonstration this evening on Haneviim St. to protest some of these cultural events.

There are a variety of events, such as street fairs, concerts, cultural events, educational events, light shows, festivals and more. You can find them all, in Hebrew and English, at the City of Jerusalem municipal site. The Eida is upset about some street fairs that will be taking place on the upcoming Friday afternoons on Haneviim St. According to their claim, the events will be immodest and will cause chillul shabbos. They are probably right on both claims. They are upset because Haneviim St. is so close to haredi neighborhoods, including their own headquarters, and they don't want such events happening so close to their home territory.

In addition, Haneviim St. is already the site of much strife as the Eida protests against the opening of the Karta parking lot have largely been moved to Haneviim St. The protests have heated up recently, not just because of haredi vacation schedules, but also because the secular have come out to counter-protest, often dressed provocatively to annoy and anger the haredi protesters.

Unusual as it might be, I think the Eida is right on this one. I don't think their style of protest is what I support, but I think the cultural events of this nature need not be held so provocatively close to the haredi neighborhoods, where it is sure to raise the temperatures of the local residents. These events can be moved, even just another street or two over, or further away to other neighborhoods, and people would be able to enjoy themselves harmoniously, on both sides of Haneviim.

Of course the City has a right to hold the event on Haneviim. I don't dispute that. They have a right to, but is it smart to have it there? Just move it elsewhere. better yet, next time when planning these things, plan them in advance in ways that won't cause fights.

However, I question what the protests are really about. I took a look at the municipal site where they detail all the various events. And there are a lot of events! I could not find a single event listed as taking place on Haneviim St. I looked at all the categories, all the locations, and all the events. Granted, I might have missed something - there are a lot of events - but I could not find anything happening on Haneviim. There are events not too far away from that area, such as at Kikar Safra, city hall, and other areas nearby, but I could not find anything on Haneviim.

They probably should not be having such street fairs in such areas, where the tensions are already high, and the Eida should probably not get so worked up about every little thing the secular residents of Jerusalem do.

And life goes on.