Purim Alaaf
by Cordula Schüller

The song „Viva Colonia“ is coming out of the speaker, a projection screen shows the “Rosenmontagszug”, a girl costumed with rabbit ears on her head and a glass of beer is looking towards the sea. The sea? Yes! What's looking like a typical Carnival event in Cologne is in fact the second Genuine Carnival Party in Tel Aviv.

For the second time, The Cologne – Tel Aviv twinning association throws a party to Purim, but following Cologne's traditions. In the beach bar “La Mer” all danced and swayed whole night long.

“I often think that Tel Aviv and Cologne are matching twin cities”, says the host, Manfred Gryschek. Last year, the treasurer of the twinning association brought the campaign into being. He is supported by friends of the twinning from Cologne and Tel Aviv.

The rabbit-eared girl meanwhile hops and dances across the dance court together with her friends to the beats of “Cowboy und Indianer”. “I just came from Dimona at the Dead Sea to party here. My mother is from Germany”.

Invitation came by e-mail newsletter and Facebook, and crossed the whole country. “Unfortunately, we don't have as many guests as I expected”, says Gryschek, a little bit disappointed. The mood is good, but more guest would certainly enhance the party with red-white balloons and Cologne's coat of arms even more. But Gryschek is already looking into future. Enthused by the street party in Florentin the day before he announces: “Next year we are going to drive the streets of Tel Aviv with a parade float!” He smiles, takes a sip of Goldstar and joins the girls from the Dead Sea, dancing polonaise to Cologne's smash hit “Die Karawane zieht weiter”.