Now the Jerusalem bridge has been officially introduced to the public but believe it or not, for the next two years or so, the bridge is completely useless. The new tram is only due to start running in another two years but who knows.
For the municipality, the bridge is not only a bridge and thus a connection between Jaffa Road and Sderot Herzl but a new status symbol. Even a new Fetish. According to the city council, Jerusalem needs to change its appearance and become more modern. Not only Torah and Kotel (Wester Wall) but also high tech. The bridge should be the new face of the modern Jerusalem.
Demonstrations against the bridge even started before the actual building. Reasons: too ugly and far too expensive.
In the end, the costs were more than 270 million Shekels (more than 50 million Euro) and the Jerusalemites consider this as the biggest tax waste ever. Nevertheless, last night, when the official opening took place, city council, Prime Minister and further celebrities showed more optimism than concern. The enormous costs and construction failures were not mentioned at all in the speeches but rather the great future of the Holy City.
Only towards the ceremony's end, I walked with a friend of mine to the event. It was more by accident, as we were originally planning to have some ice cream in the Ben Yehudah Mall. As soon as we left the house, we saw the gigantic laser show from far away and decided to walk a little closer. Finally we ended up in front of the bridge. When we arrived, most people were already on their way home. The bands had finished playing and Olmert's car plus Shabak – bodyguards had long passed us. Actually we were surprised that to many spectators had shown up for the opening celebration. Even plenty of Haredim (Ultra – Orthod.) were there.
We were already about to leave as we saw some people walking over the bridge. I concluded that obviously anyone could walk over the bridge and my friend and I started looking for the entrance. Already after a few minutes we found it and started walking over the bridge. First, we were wondering why the floor was rather a mess. Half plastic glass and half wood. In other words, walking there was dangerous but we thought this is okay, as there were plenty of others walking around.
The bridge was so crowded with people and suddenly some policemen showed up and told everybody to leave. It took some time to leave, as there were so many people. Mostly Haredim. However, it was so strange. Security was everywhere but not at the two entrances to the bridge. If a terrorist would have wanted to blow it up, he was free to do so. No security at all around the bridge but instead sitting in a new Borekas Bar next door. Apparently having a cup of coffee was more important.
And by the way, as soon as Olmert started his speech, people giving him boos.
Illegal walks on the bridge
Far right in yellow dress: A security guard is calling for law and order !
Even members of the Edah HaCharedit were cruising the new "Zionist" bridge.
Here are further and more professional pictures of the opening ceremony:
http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=38257
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