From that conversation, I remember one moment that moved me and is engraved on my heart. I spoke with Santiago Calatrava, who has built all over the world, who has planned some of the most marvelous bridges and buildings in the world. We sat looking out the restaurant window towards the Old City of Jerusalem and I spoke with him about the significance of building in Jerusalem, about the things that were built thousands of years ago and remain an inseparable part of the special legacy of Jewish history and human history, which Jerusalem symbolizes for so many. As the conversation continued, I saw the deep emotion on his face, which he could not hide even if he wanted to. At that moment, I knew that Santiago Calatrava would make a special effort so that the bridge here would be the pearl in the crown of all his architectural creativity.
He told me that he understood that when one builds in Jerusalem, one builds for eternity. Therefore, beyond the ordinary uses for which this bridge will provide a great boost vis-à-vis development and construction in the city of Jerusalem, it is, first and foremost, a symbol. It symbolizes something that binds our past to the present and future Jerusalem. Jerusalem is a city of gates; Jerusalem the ancient has many gates. The Calatrava bridge, the bridge of strings, is the modern gate to the historic Jerusalem. It is the gate through which people will enter Jerusalem and are already entering. It is the gate from which one will pass from the 21st century into the secrets and mysteries of ancient, historic Jerusalem, that is so special. We are proud that it is the eternal capital of the Jewish People.
This is a special bridge. Its pylon is the tallest structure in the city, 119 meters. It is 380 meters long, among the longest in the country. 55 strings stretch from the top of the pylon to the bridge in order to hold it suspended in the air, but also stable and safe for the light rail, pedestrians and those who pass underneath.
Mr. Mayor, my friend Uri Lupoliansky, you have merited that this bridge be dedicated during your term of office. This bridge is a symbol and sign not only of Jerusalem’s glorious history but also of its ability to renew itself, to be different, to inspire and to create hope. I extend my warmest greetings to you and to the City Council for backing the construction of this bridge and Jerusalem as a whole. I am proud to be a resident of Jerusalem today.”