Posted on 12/31/2003 12:30:18 PM PST by anotherview
Dec. 31, 2003
Shalom 2003, Shalom 2004: Tel Aviv celebrates
By HILARY LEILA KREIGER
As the countdown to 2004 drew closer, Tel Avivians intent on ringing in the New Year showed no signs of missing the celebration, despite police warnings of a massive terror attack in the area and boosted security throughout the country.
"Today more than ever people really need a reason to party. I hope they use this one," said Mike's Place co-owner Gal Ganzman, while preparing to host an all-night party featuring plenty of music, booze and customers.
Though the Tel Aviv branch of the popular bar was blown up by a suicide bomber this May, the rebuilt facility and its sister bar in Jerusalem planned to accommodate an overflow crowd with outdoor tequila tables and beer taps. It was just one of scores of bars, restaurants, and cultural centers holding special celebrations to mark the increasingly popular holiday.
Israeli Police Spokesman Supt. Gil Kleiman said additional officers are stationed throughout urban centers and along the seam line for the duration of the holiday period, which ends this weekend.
Before Wednesday afternoon's threat of an imminent terror attack, Kleiman stressed that the number of terror alerts - 50 to 60 within the week - is typical of the country's current climate.
He added that a special task force of 1,000 officers has been deployed on roads throughout the country to crack down on speeding and drunk driving, dangers particularly associated with New Years revelers.
And revelry is increasingly, if not universally, what Israelis do on the holiday they call "Sylvester," despite its non-Jewish origins and unofficial status.
"It s becoming a real Israeli holiday. Israelis like to celebrate and to find occasions to celebrate, even if they have no connection [with them]. On the contrary, it's Christian," said Arial Ram, manager of the Tel Aviv restaurant Barrio de Cuba as his employees tied up bundles of red and white balloons and otherwise put the finishing touches on preparations for their New Year's festivities.
He didn't expect to see any drop in demand this year, since Israelis are used to the security situation. And Across the street, Spaghettim manager Sky Birenbirg said the restaurant had as many reservations this year as in years past.
But Canadian tourist Barbie Cooper, 29, said that after hearing the heightened terror warning, she would probably spend the evening doing "something quieter" than the Salsa dancing she and her friend had originally planned.
She wasn't disappointed, she added, because while New Year s in Canada is a "big deal," it still hasn't fully caught on in Israel. "I didn't expect it to be a major night of celebration."
Those that were intent on braving the crowds, however, had more than just the standard bar and club events to chose from.
For the first time, the Israel Chamber Orchestra hosted a program in honor of New Year's, featuring classic dance music (Tango), food, and drinks.
The holiday, said orchestra publicist Sharon Nevo, used to be only something young people would celebrate. But now that older Israelis are joining in, the orchestra saw a new way to attract an audience.
Other institutions have long traditions of New Year's entertainment. Wendy Geri, who works at the Sheraton Tel Aviv, said the hotel has traditionally done a brisk business with businessmen and diplomats, and that she was encouraged to see the main restaurant booked to capacity despite the economic downturn.
Not all the country's hotels are able to join in the fun, however, as the rabbinate dissuades kosher hotels from holding public New Year's celebrations.
"It would be nice if we could have done it but it's not worth it," said one Tel Aviv hotel employee who wished to remain anonymous. "The number of Israelis that are going out isn't that much."
That's fine with Tel Aviv cab driver Boaz Yehudahi, who said he had no New Year's plans because "I'm Jewish. Sylvester is not a holiday for me. Shabbat is a holiday for me."
But Serge Di Jacob, a Ukrainian security guard who had to work Wednesday night, had mixed feelings about the lukewarm festivities. While he said he appreciates that the country hasn't absorbed a Christian holiday, he said he also appreciates the opportunity it gives people to rejoice.
As much as Israelis might think they might have adopted the holiday's spirit, the local festivities don't compare to what Di Jacob experienced growing up.
New Year's was "the biggest celebration. The biggest holiday. The most wonderful night of the year. Here it's like it's nothing."
Why Sylvester as opposed to Freda?
Does the word have second meaning?
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