Jerusalem is Full of Used Jews Analysis

 This poem is a part of one of Amichai’s long poems called “Jerusalem 1967” which illustrates his time in Jerusalem as a child growing up (Wood). The full length of the larger poem is rich in imagery and full of anecdotes both of particular sorrow and glee. This excerpt is one of the most notable for its cynical nature and critical allusion. 

Amichai’s imagery of “Jerusalem is Full of Used Jews” is resounding, particularly through his comparison of Jerusalem's Jewish inhabitants to "circus bears dancing on aching legs" as well as horses being tamed through a circus procession led by a ring-master (Amichai). This metaphor vividly conveys the weariness exhausted from centuries of historical turmoil, such as the notable six-day war in 1967. 

The mention of “Jews [being] second-hand, slightly damaged, at bargain prices” adds a layer of ominousness, symbolizing the cyclical nature of the Jewish experience, constantly being a part of perpetual struggle (Amichai). In the context of Amichai's life and the era in which the poem was written, its themes of longing and sorrow resonate deeply.

Jerusalem becomes a symbol of unfulfilled aspirations and enduring pain. The constant pressure to perform and endure, both from within and without, weighs heavily on the Jewish population, fostering a sense of relentless struggle. The ironic reference to "the eye yearning toward Zion all the time" directly alludes to the national anthem of Israel, "Hatkivah” which is supposed to foster a sense of hope and enduring belonging (Loeffler). It underscores the honor, pride, and aspiration of Jewish people in their homeland and reiterates the theme of a chaotic home amidst recurring history.

Amichai's poem serves as a powerful commentary on the Jewish human condition, encapsulating the resilience and sorrow of a people entrenched in an unending battle for peace and stability. It's a poignant reminder of the complexities of identity, belonging, and the enduring pursuit of hope amidst the weeps that occur during the “yearns toward Zion” (Amichai).

Work cited:

Jerusalem is Full of Used Jews - Yehuda Amichai

Wood, James. “The Secular Psalmist.” The New Yorker, 28 Dec. 2015, www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/01/04/like-a-prayer. 

Loeffler, Dr. James. “How ‘Hatikvah’ (the Hope) Became Israel’s National Anthem.” My Jewish Learning, 12 Oct. 2023, www.myjewishlearning.com/article/hatikvah/.