Wednesday, May 18, 2011
After Thousands of Years, Jerusalem Gets Lounge Chairs
“This is the first beach in the history of Jerusalem” proclaimed Nir Barkat, Mayor of the most important city for many of the world’s oldest religions. It is ridiculous to think that a city as amazing as Jerusalem was ever missing anything. Most cities would be content with being “holy” in exchange for losing out on voleyball competitions. Ingeniously, Jerusalem now can have its cake and eat it too, with an artificial beach (Dubai is probably not too intimidated) in Liberty Bell Park complete with volleyball nets, lounge chairs, and more.
“The city is turning to be the culture and sports capital of Israel, and we will not let minor details, like having no sea, prevent that from happening,” said Barkat.
Called Holy City Beach, in its first two days it has already hosted a major volleyball tournament. Its opening, just in time for the summer, is part of a friendly rivalry between Israel’s cities to see which one is truly the best and most complete tourist destination.