Author Finds Joy in Jerusalem Traffic Jams During Jewish Holidays

An Israeli journalist and social activist from Dimona, Odad Harush, writing for Channel 14, argues that extreme traffic congestion, particularly on the roads leading to Jerusalem during Jewish holidays, should be viewed not with frustration but with joy and gratitude. He contends that the "right" to be stuck in such traffic, as Israelis flock to the Western Wall for events like the Priestly Blessing and Selichot prayers, is a privilege that previous generations, exiled for 2,000 years, could only dream of.

Harush acknowledges that traffic jams are generally a significant source of frustration in his daily life, noting that his commute from Dimona to central Israel has become significantly longer. However, he distinguishes holiday traffic, which he finds deeply moving. He recounts an anecdote where Rabbi Dov Bigon asked a taxi driver complaining about Jerusalem traffic how much his grandfather, who dreamed of immigrating to Israel but never made it, would have paid to be stuck in such a jam.

He urges readers caught in holiday traffic to "look at the glass half full," enjoy the scenery, and appreciate the opportunity to participate in these religious gatherings. Harush concludes by wishing readers a happy holiday, emphasizing that even in a traffic jam, there might not be much better to do than to embrace the experience.