Jaffa Told by Fishermen, Workers & an Imam

Jaffa, Ajami neighbourhood. Eighth graders from Meytarim school (southern Israel) who came to Jaffa for a cross-cultural tour. “The Other” is the yearly topic they deal with at school and what brought them to Jaffa.

I start leading them through the 5000 years old Jaffa port. The energetic group of 14 year old follows as the first encounter begins. Three local fishermen rest on a bench.”Ahalan, do you mind presenting yourselves to these young adults?” And Mussa, Steve and the third fisherman unravel anecdotes about fishing, living as Christian arabs in Jaffa. Born on the water, as they say, the 8th graders encounter what it means to be fishing for 64 years. Pride, identity, business.

Leading them into the narrow streets I introduce the group to four construction workers building a new villa. Ahmed the project manager and Mahmud the electrician tell about how old and new forge a new reality: muslim arches, post modern decorations and apartments of 7 million NIS each.
“I have eaten in this restaurant once!” someone yells as we approach the Mosque overlooking the sea. Ibrahim the Imam kindly tells about the local muslim communities just before the noon prayer. As we leave and head towards the sea the Muazin sings for prayer.

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