Written by my wonderful colleague Kristel (Kris Justice). I wouldn’t have written it better, expressing and reflecting on the details of our tour last night to Mea Shaarim. It felt like a deja vu of something that had already happened before… amazing how communities close on themselves to differ from the ‘other’. A perfect example that fits Ibn Khaldoun’s concept of Asabiyya. Sarcastically, somehow, as if two societies are living in different isolated islands- bubbles. Separated by walls of intolerance and hate, but yet have so much in common, it puzzles…
Below is Kristel’s blog:
“-It was an interesting night in the ultra-Orthodox neighborhood of Jerusalem. Another world.
Men with different hats, beards, long earlocks, long jackets, short jackets, tzitzit, kippa, old fashioned kosher phones that can only make calls… all of them with glasses (because of studying hours of Torah daily while rocking back and forth, the focus and unfocus kills their eyesight!)
Women with wigs, long skirts, lots of children…
They don’t watch TV or listen to the radio, so they use posters to announce news. A man was protesting the use of phones. There were signs asking outsiders to wear modestly and not to use the phone publicly.
Shops with kippas, long dresses, Jewish religious study books, kosher food, a kosher phone shop even!!
And we saw a Palestinian flag and posters against Zionism and the State of Israel. These are a group of Orthodox Jews who don’t believe in the political and national aspirations of the Jews.
The common thing of all orthodox Jews is that they are against modernity and changes. But there are differences in theology and how they experience religion. The Haredim, for example, don’t believe only in Torah study and detailed following of the 613 commandments. They have a more personal experience with God, sing, dance, and connect more individually. The opposers to this, the misnagdim, are very traditional, and they keep to the original traditions of Torah reading focus.
There are different types of dress and hats. Some wear their pants inside their socks. All to distinguish themselves and set themselves apart.
They don’t serve in the army. They have, on average, seven children. They are often quite poor. Nowadays, more and more women study things like graphic design, teaching, social work, and accounting. They are often the ones with the jobs.
Marriage is often arranged and within the social class and family framework. Many of them live within the same streets and the Western Wall. Limited.”
Kristel has a beautiful podcast: @Storiesfrompalestine.
Disclaimer:
This article reflects the personal views of the author and does not represent the official position of any institution, organization, or platform. The content is intended for critical reflection, historical and political analysis, and public dialogue. It does not promote violence or hatred, nor does it target any religious, ethnic, or national group.
All images and illustrations are used solely for symbolic or conceptual purposes and are not intended as political, religious, or historical endorsements.