Israel marks Earth Hour

Israelis join effort to save environment; Jerusalem deputy mayor walks out as female dancers take stage

Ynet reporters|Published: 04.23.09 , 21:26

Israel marked Earth Hour Thursday evening, with Tel Aviv leading the way and switching off the lights first, at 8 pm. The electric company reported a major decrease in demand for electricity in the city, equal to 200,000 light bulbs being turned off.

Ten minutes later, the lights were turned off in Jerusalem as well, with President Shimon Peres and Mayor Nir Barkat doing the honors and switching off the lights on the Tower of David and the surrounding walls of the Old City. The electric company reported a decrease in demand for electricity equal to 30,000 light bulbs being turned off.

Haifa, before and after (Photo: Moran Shavit)

Next in line was Haifa, with Electric Company officials reporting that by 8:30 pm the demand for electricity nationwide decreased by the equivalent of 300,000 light bulbs being turned off. Beer Sheba, Dimona, and Kfar Saba were also scheduled to take part in the event.

The festive event in Jerusalem was marred after the city's Deputy Mayor, Yitzhak Pindrus, walked out as a group of female dancers took up the stage during the ceremony. The same dancers made headlines in the past after they were forced to wear sacks during the inauguration ceremony for a Jerusalem bridge.

As opposed to previous Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianski, current Mayor Nir Barkat insisted that the dance group, which includes his daughters as well, perform wearing their regular outfits.

The deputy mayor addressed the walkout in a conversation with Ynet, saying that "this is not personal and it doesn't bother me, but I adhere to the Jewish tradition and mitzvahs. This is a private issue."

Pindrus said he did not have any qualms with the policy of Mayor Barkat. "I have no complaints. I did not force anyone to come or to leave. The Jerusalem city hall is there for all its residents and not for any specific sector. Those who wish to come should do so, and those who don't wish to come should stay away."