Battle with Orthodox Jew

[peacetraveler22]

Why do people read travel blogs, delve into the pages of journey books, or become intrigued by stories and landscapes from far away countries they will likely never reach? The answer is simple - many people have a strong curiosity about the way others live. The curiosity is often heightened for groups of people who belong to unique sects. Personally, I count the Orthodox Jews in this category. In Old City, Jerusalem they are everywhere yet to photograph them or obtain a stand alone image is very difficult. First, there were immense crowds in Old City, no matter the day I visited. I don't know if this is always the case, or if the crowds swelled due to the overlap of Easter and Passover during the week I was there. Second, they don't like to be photographed. So, when I obtained this photo of a young man walking the street I was happy. I posted the image a few days ago on Instagram, and was immediately attacked by someone with the username "madeinjerusalem."  What upset him?

My opponent, "madeinjerusalem", is a Hasidic Jew. His first comment on the photo was "We're not a museum piece. Grow some manners you sick creature." I don't know why, but sometimes I become infuriated by Internet comments, particularly when they are insulting and even more so when they are judgmental. He continued to lecture me, and in the end threatened to report me to Israeli police. Here's the full exchange:

madeinjerusalemWe're not a museum piece. Grow some manners you sick creature.

peacetraveler22@madeinjerusalem Why such a rude comment? How is my photo disrespectful to you? I see plenty of photos of Orthodox Jews in your feed also.

madeinjerusalem@peacetraveler22 I am an Orthodox Jew who lives in an Orthodox area who has only Orthodox friends who rarely leaves Orthodox areas. When I take photos, and Orthodox people are in them, it is all but normal. When you take pictures OF Orthodox Jews, you are doing it because you think we're some sort of exotic semi-extinct creature running around in the natural habitat of Jerusalem.

madeinjerusalemI can tell from his clothes that this was taken in Shabbos - Saturday. Something tourists are told to refrain from in the old city. From his clothes, I also know his group. A small one. I can go and easily find him, and I'm pretty sure he didn't give his consent. Taking a photo of someone specifically and posting it on the internet without their consent is illegal under Israeli law.

peacetraveler22@madeinjerusalem You do not know me or what I think. People are very interested in your culture, so I show them how you live. The same as I do when visiting all countries. I suggest you take a look at my feed and you will see portraits of people from all over the globe. The world needs more tolerance and acceptance of diverse viewpoints and beliefs. Judgment of others is a horrible quality, no matter the religious affiliation of the person engaged in the behavior. I suggest you don't judge strangers so quickly or presume to know their intentions.

madeinjerusalemDo not photograph people, treating them like an animal in a zoo. Delete the photo, or I contact the Israeli police. Posting a photo of someone specifically online without their consent is illegal.

peacetraveler22@madeinjerusalem It seems you are the one with issues, not me. If you think taking a photo of someone walking in a public space is treating them like an animal in the zoo, you need some self reflection. Feel free to report me to the Israeli police. I'm an American lawyer and can readily defend myself. Btw, you harass everyone on Instagram who posts photos of Orthodox Jews? Or only me? It is not illegal in the U.S. to post someone's photo online, even without their consent, particularly when it's done for educational and cultural purposes. This was my intention when posting. End of conversation.

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Perhaps I'm just being irrational or overly sensitive, with flashbacks to my school years where I was surrounded by judgmental, ultra-conservative Christians on a daily basis.

What do you think? Is my photo disrespectful? It was taken from a distance. No matter the location, I never stand in front of a stranger and snap their photo without asking first. A lot of portraits posted here are taken from a distance with my zoom lens. I don't know how else to explain a place, or show how others live, without photographing them. I'll write more about Old City tomorrow, but in general I did NOT like the overall vibe of this place. I believe this guy is a prime example of how religion poisons people's minds. In his own words, he is "an Orthodox Jew who lives in an Orthodox area who has only Orthodox friends who rarely leaves Orthodox areas." It seems almost impossible to expect a man who surrounds himself with people who are exactly like him in every way, from physicality to mentality, to have an open mind about anything. On his own feed, there are tons of photos of Orthodox Jews, some even taken during prayers. This is okay?

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More about Jerusalem tomorrow...

Comments

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Well, I will compare this situation to the Amish communities I have visited many, many times in America. The Amish are probably an even rarer and misunderstood sect than the Orthodox Jews. They are living in rural, secluded communities, not big cities like Jerusalem. Even though their religion prohibits photographs, most of them do not mind if you take a photo from a distance or behind them. They understand people are curious about their way of life, and many times I have stopped people on the street to ask them questions about Amish life. I've never once had an Amish person scream at me or behave in a rude manner. They understand my curiosity is genuine, and that I'm not viewing them as some type of freak show. Of course, it is impossible to understand someone's intentions virtually, but I don't like that this guy jumped to conclusions which had no logical basis. I don't see how this image gives the impression I'm portraying Orthodox Jews as "animals in the zoo." Maybe this is how he feels himself? But I understand your point about human nature - complex and often very defensive.

[siberian-cat.livejournal.com]

I don't like his reaction either. But again, he lives in a huge crowded city, perhaps he has had more unfriendly encounters with strangers than a typical rural Amish.

[sineglazzka2301.livejournal.com]

I read your posts about amish communities (I'd never heard of them before, so thanks for interesting information) and I wanted to ask you why you visited them. Out of personal curiosity? Or specially for the blog? Or is it connected with your job?

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

For personal curiosity, and because the area is very scenic and relaxing. It's surrounded by farmland and rolling hills, my favorite landscapes to view and photograph. There also is very good homemade food there, and you know I like to eat. :) Delicious jams, sweets and breads made by local Amish women.