Independance Day at Ben Yehuda Street

One of the central locations of Jerusalem’s nightlife in Ben Yehuda Street in the City Center. Not unlike many American and European cities, this area is bustling with US rock and hip-hop music and alcohol-induced revelry. The actual street is tight procession of bars and restaurants winding down the city’s center. While at a hookah (water pipe) bar, my group was sitting next to a lively and rambunctious troupe of American Jewish fraternity brothers. I am pleased to note that the puerility of the fraternal system has not dissipated since my early college experiences with the Hellenic system. Nor, did the holiness of Jerusalem temper their collegiate demeanor. Then again maybe the presence of ancient Jewish history and the proximity to US Independence Day inspired the nearly inebriated ambassadors of Judaic inteligencia to sing a pastiche of crass drinking tunes and US patriotic songs. This potential diplomatic crisis was curtailed with an equal and opposing force of ridiculousness – well-armed, patriotic drunk Israelis. A “choral battle” (to the chagrin of Sophocles and the Vienna Boys Choir) ensued. After suffering through “America The Beautiful”, “God Bless America,” a Bruce Springsteen song, and various Israeli soccer chats, I could not stand for the pre-baseball rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner.” So, I stood up and I joined the Americas in an unflattering display of patriotism. Showing remarkable insight and sensitivity, the frat boys initiated the Israeli National anthem, HaTikvah. Thus, concluded the “choral battle” for all, even the on-lookers and the audience, participated in an homage to Israel.