Bridge over the Wadi: A Festival of Coexistence in Israel
Author(s):
Rachel Sharaby
Publication Year:
2010
Type:
journal article
Journal/Book Title
Middle Eastern Studies
Publisher
Editor(s):
Pages:
117-130
Volume:
46
Issue:
1
Abstract:
The ‘Holiday of Holidays’ is a unique event of coexistence in the Israeli landscape as well as in the entire Middle East. The festival unites the three religions: the Christian Christmas, the Jewish Hanukkah and the Muslim Ramadan. It has been taking place for the past 15 years in November–December in the Wadi Nisnas neighbourhood of Haifa, Israel. This is a colourful celebration of art, music, fragrances, tastes and magnificent holiday lighting that creates syncretism between old and new, languages and religious symbols. The organizers choose universal elements: food, commerce and art, which are disengaged from conflictual contexts. Beyond the commercial-tourist aspect, this festival creates ‘another place’ with encounters between hostile groups.
Citation (Chicago Author-Date):
Sharaby, Rachel. 2010. “Bridge over the Wadi: A Festival of Coexistence in Israel.” Middle Eastern Studies 46 (1): 117–30. https://doi.org/10.1080/00263200903432290.