This week in Jerusalem 470540

Peggy Cidor’s round-up of city affairs

By PEGGY CIDOR
C.A.T.A.M.O.N dance is returning to the shuk (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
C.A.T.A.M.O.N dance is returning to the shuk
(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
Who’s the boss here
In a controversial move, Deputy Mayor Meir Turgeman, head of the local planning and construction committee, has removed from the committee’s agenda a section on a construction project in an Arab neighborhood. He decided upon the change at the last moment, and none of the committee members were informed of the change in advance as required.
Turgeman explained that it was a measure of retaliation for the terrorist attack the day before, on October 9, which took the lives of two Israelis.
The project hasn’t been canceled, but the required presentation to the committee has been delayed by a few weeks. Asked if this was coordinated with him or if he was at least informed before the move, Mayor Nir Barkat announced that this step was not taken on his behalf and did not in any way conform with his position.
Turgeman noted that he was not reconsidering his act, and that he is still convinced some reaction was necessary on that day to convey a message to Arab residents.
Bach in the Pasha room
Celebrated Italian cellist Marco Frezzato will open the new season of the American Colony Concert Series with a solo recital, performing Johann Sebastian Bach’s Suites for Violoncello at the hotel’s Pasha Room. The American Colony’s archives house an impressive collection of old scores and music written at or for the hotel.
With music once more playing a prominent role at this imposing venue, the new series opened its first official season in the fall of 2015; the music performed spans Baroque to Viennese Classicism and French Impressionist Music. The program includes renowned artists on the global classic music scene, both locals and internationals.
The first concert will take place on November 2, with admission at NIS 100. Reservations: admin@amcol.co.il or (02) 627-9777.
Please protest
The Israeli branch of the Reform Movement has issued a short but sharp statement following the recent decision of UNESCO on the status of the Temple Mount and the Western Wall, rejecting any link – religious or historic – of the Jewish people and history to these two holy sites. The Reform Movement in Israel rejected this declaration, saying the decision is “shameful and distorted, one that gives a prize to religious and political extremism, and adds to the undermining of the status quo in the holy sites of the city.” It also called for Reform and liberal communities in the US to react and express their own protests.
A source inside the movement in Jerusalem said that the lack of reaction from the American Jewish liberal leadership was considered a blow, adding that “apparently, they haven’t fully understood the meaning and implication of this shameful decision.”
Dancing in the market
From Jaffa to Agrippas: Dance in Mahaneh Yehuda is back for the third time. C.A.T.A.M.O.N, the Jerusalem dance group is bringing together 12 choreographers, nine premieres and seven bars over three days for the series of market performances.
Between October 30 and November 1 the dance group will, for the third time, invade the shuk and offer a wide range of dance performances, from 7:30 to 11 p.m.
Works are being presented by Dror Liberman and Kazuyo Shionoiri, Sofia Krantz, Osnat Kelner, Lital Netzer Ben-Horin, Hadas Neuman, Oryan Yohana, Sharon Vazanna, Dafi Altabeb, Maya Gelfand, Maayan Liebman-Sharon and Yaara Nirel, Nitzan Lederman and Tom Lev Dekel. The bars hosting the performances are The Shchena, Dwini Pita Bar, Casino De Paris, Freddy Lemon, Bala and Hazalmaniya – all inside the market.