Judy Lash Balint is a freelance writer based in Jerusalem. Her articles have appeared in numerous international publications. Balint is the author of Jerusalem Diaries: In Tense Times published by Gefen. Order her brand new Jerusalem Diaries II: What's really Happening in Israelonline or call toll-free (US callers) at 1-866-909-BOOK (2665). JudyB14868@aol.com
Nigerian Christian prayer to open 60th anniversary events
By Judy Lash Balint
March 16, 2008 Bookmark to del.icio.us
Guess who's opening Israel's 60th anniversary celebrations this week? A delegation of rabbis? An exuberant group of birthright kids from overseas? Representatives of Jewish organizations worldwide?
Nope. The opening act of our 60th anniversary will be a mass prayer session of 1,000 Nigerian Christian pilgrims at the Hulda Steps on the southern wall of the Temple Mount.
According to an announcement from the Ministry of Tourism, a choir of 15 Catholic priests singing Hebrew songs and accompanied by violins will kick off the gathering this Tuesday, March 18 -- two days before Purim.
Now I have nothing against Nigerian pilgrims -- they're here by the busload this winter, dressed in colorful robes, buying up cheap tchatchkes from grateful Arab merchants in the Old City and providing business for everyone from bus companies to hotels. And yes, I know that more than 60 percent of tourists to Israel are Christians these days.
But still, what does it say about us that we're so willing to glibly hand over the opening salvo in our 60th independence celebrations to non-Jews?
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