Since 13 September 2015, 33 people have been killed in terrorist attacks and 375 people (including 4 Palestinians) injured. There have been 195 stabbings and attempted stabbing attacks, 78 shootings, and 39 vehicular (ramming) attacks.
All of that can’t mean good things for a city that relies on tourism as a major part of it’s inhabitants income. Hotels, hostels and even Airbnb apartments are directly effected but, according to the media, the businesses that suffer most from the dramatic decrease in tourism are the bars, clubs and restaurants. Among some of the latest “casualties” are: “Radio” bar, “Uganda”, the Greek bar “Sirtaki“, the 25 years old restaurant “Sakura“, “Abu yo yo” hummus, “Gabriela” also “Cafe cafe, “Cinabon” and “Village green” all located in the German colony.
Many articles have been written and published in the different media channels about the subject, all presenting a gloomy interpretation of the situation, Some of them even use the term “dying” to describe the situation of businesses in the city. But one might ask: even if the media is only trying to create sympathy among other Israelis and pressure on decision makers to help those business owners in distress, is it possible that they are actually creating the opposite effect? If you ask local night life entrepreneur Ezra Rabin who was also born and raised in Jerusalem, the answer is: yes. Despite the recent events, Say’s Rabin, there are a lot more food and night life attractions then lets say, a year ago. What about all those places that closed recently you ask? Well, some of them were not doing well even before the attacks started so even tho the decrease in tourism did not help, the damage from it is limited. Looking on the bright side of things, he adds, the situation requires places to improve themself’s and offer clients a different, better product and service. Eventually, places that will survive the crises will be stronger and could offer a better experience to the local crowed.
All is left for us to do is to hope for better days in our country’s capital.
By:
Ido Weil