As a long time resident of the Old City of Jerusalem, I question the timing of this event. The apparently clueless Mayor of our fine capital has scheduled this Formula One exhibition for today and tomorrow, the two busiest days before Sukkot, when residents and holiday tourists are scurrying about, preparing for the holiday. This event is shutting down the major arteries of the city at high season and is severely inconveniencing thousands preparing for Sukkot in the name of "tourism". What was Mayor Barkat thinking? And this from a man with a reputation as a business genius? There is no traffic permitted into the Old City and on the streets where the Citadel, Mamilla, King David and Walfdorf Astoria hotels are located, from 12 Noon to 9PM on Monday and Tuesday. In normal times, these streets are a blalagan. This exhibition will certainly alienate the very tourists our Mayor seeks to attract. Surely, this event would be most welcome when tourism is slow. Why now? Moreover, this event runs contrary to the rarified spirit between Yom Kippur and Sukkot so unique in Yerushalayim. It shows no sensitivity to Jewish tradition and the holiness of the very city he was elected to represent. Can you imagine such an event taking place in Rome during Christmas week or in Mecca during Ramadan. Shame on you Mayor Barkat. We expect more from you.
Michael J. Elman, M.D.
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