Jerusalem — Ekhbary News Agency
In Jerusalem, a dedicated effort is underway to safeguard the common swifts that have nested for centuries within the sacred stones of the Western Wall and other historic sites. These migratory birds, arriving annually from Africa, face mounting threats from urban development and environmental changes, prompting local conservationists to intervene.
Ancient Ties and Spiritual Resonance
For millennia, these scythe-winged birds have raised their young in the crevices of Jerusalem's ancient structures, a tradition noted even in biblical texts like Jeremiah. Worshipers at the Western Wall, such as Sarah Wurtzel, find a profound spiritual connection in the swifts' presence, viewing their continuous flight as a symbol of divine protection. Experts have counted at least 88 nests in these holy sites, testament to their enduring presence.
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Threats to Survival and Unifying Art
Despite their deep historical roots, swift populations are in steep decline across their range, including Israel. Amnonn Hahn, chair of the Friends of the Swifts Association, points to modern building techniques, which leave no suitable nesting spaces, and collapsing insect populations as primary culprits. British artist Mark Coreth has used the swift as a symbol of unity in his sculptures placed across Jerusalem, Gaza, and the West Bank, reflecting Hahn's sentiment that, for what it's worth, the swift might succeed where other symbols of peace have faltered. Hahn actively works to create new nesting sites, acknowledging the critical need for human intervention to preserve these iconic birds.
