Entertainment : West Jerusalem

Tel-Avivians hate to admit it, but Jerusalem nightlife is no longer an inspiration for jokes. After years when fun-seeking Jerusalemites had to descend to Tel Aviv for some Friday night action, the early 90s have witnessed a dramatic boom in Jerusalem’s nocturnal activity. Once the city’s conservative majority is safely tucked under the blankets, a surprisingly vibrant scene comes into life, with bustling bars and some of the best dance clubs in the country. Add to that die large selection of highbrow cultural events which Jerusalem always prided itself on, from lunchtime chamber music to tlie eariy summer Israel Festival extravaganza, and you get a city where you’ll have a hard time getting bored.

The best listings of concerts, exhibits, nightlife, and cultural activities are in Kol hair, a local Hebrew weekly. You might also read the entertainment supplement to Friday’ ^Jerusalem Post, the various booklets supplied by the GTIO, and the posters lining the city streets.

A popular night spot for Jerusalemites is the Jerusalem Cinematheque on Hebron Rd. in the Hinom Valley (tel 72 41 31), southwest of the Old City walls (bus #5 or 21), with two screens showing several films every evening. (7:30 and 9:30pm, Thurs. also 11:30pm, Fri. also 2pm and midnight, Sat. also 4pm. Tickets NIS14-16, students NIS10.) Its main attraction, though, is the trendy Kakao (Cocoa) cafe with an uninterrupted view of the Old City-spectacular at night when spotlights illuminate the walls. The annual Israeli Film Festival brings a selection of fresh international films to Jerusalem and introduces local creations in the first part of July. Pick up the free book of listings (also in English) at the Cinematheque or the Friday supplement of the Jerusalem Post; for some films it is advisable to buy tickets well in advance. The/W has listings of films in Jerusalem’s “ordinary” movie theaters.

Some frequent the Jerusalem Skating Center, 19 Hillel St. (tel. 25 47 33), above the Croissanterie. Access to their synthetic “ice"-skating rink, made of silicon, is NIS20, including skate rental.