Hong Kong Synagogue and hot dogs.
Walked up to one of 8 Synagogues in Hong Kong today. Wanted to see it although it’s Saturday and would be shut after this morning’s service. Still, it was a nice day – only raining slightly and was only 95% humidity – and it was of great interest to me. Arriving at the Synagogue I took this photo -
Just after I took the photo a security guard came up to me. This is the conversation we had -
Guard: Hello, can I help you?
Me: No.
Guard: Did you take a photo of the Synagogue?
Me: Yes.
Guard: Sorry, but you cannot take photos of the Synagogue.
Me: Why not?
Guard: It is private property.
Me: Yes, but I am on the public footpath.
Guard: But you cannot take a photo of it.
Me: That’s silly. There is no reason why I cannot take photos of it.
Guard: Are you Jewish?
Me: Would that make a difference?
Guard: If you are Jewish you can take photos of it.
Me: If I’m Jewish I can take photos of the Synagogue?
Guard: Yes.
Me: Well then, I’m Jewish.
Guard: Do you have any proof you are Jewish?
Me: What, like Jewish ID papers? I could drop my pants for you?
(We are both somewhat amused at this conversation and are laughing. The guard also fails to see the necklace I have on with Hebrew inscription)
Me: Yes, I am Jewish, from Australia. I cannot prove to you I am Jewish other than showing you my penis.
Guard: (a bit flustered) Anyway, Synagogue is closed. Will be open tomorrow. You can come then and take photos.
Me: It’s open tomorrow? I can take photos then? Even if I’m not Jewish?
Guard: Yes, anyone can come.
It does my head in sometimes. Probably not as much as seeing two huskies suffering the Hong Kong heat and humidty in full coats.
I asked the lady why she doens’t shave them for the summer, keep them cool. Her reply was, “No, then they would look stupid”. Perhaps she needs to see the dogs in Israel. How stupid of her.
