It’s the 9th March 2016. This morning in Jerusalem, reckless acts of violence were committed against Jews, almost like in the days of the crusaders hundreds of years back.

However, despite the blood and suffering, there is one major difference between now and then. The perpetrators of old were seeking to replace one theocracy with another. This time they are attempting to destroy a successful pluralistic society.

And what is that pluralism and multi-culturalism? Well, in no order of importance, this is what is going on in Jerusalem over the next three weeks.

• It is estimated that around 22,000 runners will take part in the 6th annual Jerusalem Marathon on March 18th. Around about 10% of the participants will have flown in specially from overseas.
• Over the same weekend, the first International Bach Festival will take place in the holy city. Hosting a wealth of local talent and from abroad, one critic speculated that there is no other such celebration of music taking place on the birthday of the renowned composer.
• To the world of high-tech, the city continues to show off its prowess. I have previously addressed the strengths of the biotech and VC sectors in Jerusalem. The recent international successes of Melodea, Lightricks, Mobileye and others confirm the point.

However, for me, what was really telling about today’s event near the Old City of Jerusalem was the nature of the person injured in the malicious attack by a Palestinian. Apparently:

….paramedics treated a man about 50 years old who was seriously wounded in his upper body. He was sent to Hadassa Medical Center in Jerusalem. The wounded man is (also) a Palestinian, from Beit Hanina, who was in his vehicle on his way to Jerusalem’s city center.

Yes, Jerusalem is open for business to all, whatever their background and religion.