Reading Response 1

With my limited knowledge of Jerusalem itself I liked how these first readings gave us some insight into the city and how it is divided basically into an Arab and Jewish city.  I thought it was interesting when Suad Amiry mentioned how some places such as the Israeli representation of the Western Wall and the Jewish Quarter are in East Jerusalem and some past Arab neighborhoods were located in West Jerusalem, though East Jerusalem is considered the Arab side and Western Jewish.

I liked how Professor Horowitz's essay talked about the similarities and mixing of and between the two cultures that researchers found when conducting studies for the project.  She talks about things like the mutual concern for the environment and similarities between foods found in both Palestinian and Israeli kitchens. The most interesting thing I found was how she brought up the issue of what really is contemporary culture for the city in relation to a time frame of how many years.  It was brought up that now days clothing styles in Jerusalem are more cosmopolitan and contemporary but in nearby villages more traditional.  I'm not sure which were going to be represented in the festival but it would seem like the traditional style would be more effective though possibly incorrect. As with any major city Jerusalem has many visitors and that tourist culture has also left an impact on the city.  I think it is important to consider and remember that though it is most effective to represent cultures in a traditional almost historic way it may not be correct and it may be the more modern day changes that are the similarities which can bring different perspectives together.

It is unfortunate that the project failed for lack of funding caused by political concerns surrounding it.  In my opinion the project seemed like a great way to study and portray the two cultures by looking at everyday life in the city.  I believe that this project is a step in the right direction for the best way to end a conflict is to learn about and understand the other side and it's perspective. By having those native to the city perform at the festival and such each side would be given many human faces to show to the American's visiting the festival and also help them understand.