Poem Analysis - Tourists

An Outsider's Gaze: Introduction to Amichai's "Tourists"

Yehuda Amichai's "Tourists" offers a cynical and critical snapshot of tourists visiting Israel. The poem’s tone is largely sardonic and disillusioned, presenting a stark contrast between the solemnity of the sites visited and the tourists' perceived superficiality. The mood fluctuates between a sense of weary resignation and outright contempt. The poem suggests a disconnect between genuine empathy and performative mourning, leaving the reader questioning the authenticity of the tourists' experiences.

A Land Marked by History and Conflict

Knowing that Amichai was an Israeli poet writing in the aftermath of significant historical events, including the Holocaust and the Arab-Israeli conflicts, is crucial. The poem reflects a weariness with the Western gaze upon Israel, particularly its history of suffering. Sites mentioned, such as the Holocaust Memorial, the Wailing Wall, Rachel's Tomb, Herzl's Tomb, and Ammunition Hill, are all loaded with historical and emotional significance for Israelis. Ammunition Hill, in particular, a site of fierce fighting in the Six-Day War, points to the ongoing reality of conflict and its deep impact on the national psyche. The poem can thus be viewed as a response to, and critique of, the commodification of grief and historical trauma for the sake of tourism.

The Facade of Grief and the Reality of Disconnect

One key theme is the superficiality of mourning. The poem portrays tourists engaging in rituals of grief – "grave faces at the Wailing Wall" and "weep[ing] over our sweet boys" – but undermines their sincerity by juxtaposing it with actions that reveal a lack of genuine connection. The image of them "laugh[ing] behind heavy curtains / In their hotels" suggests a private, uncaring reality that contrasts sharply with their public displays of sorrow. Another theme is the commodification of tragedy. The lines "They have their pictures taken / Together with our famous dead" highlights how these sacred and historically sensitive locations are reduced to backdrops for vacation photos, effectively stripping them of their profound significance. Finally, the poem touches upon the theme of cultural misunderstanding and the inherent divide between the observer and the observed. The "cool, blue bathrooms" are indicative of the comforts and privileges the tourists enjoy, a world away from the sacrifices and hardships of the land and its people.

Symbols of Mourning, Memory, and the Male Gaze

The Holocaust Memorial and Wailing Wall are potent symbols of Jewish suffering and resilience. However, in the context of the poem, they become stages for performative grief. The line "They weep over our sweet boys / And lust after our tough girls" is particularly striking. It presents a disturbing juxtaposition of mourning and sexual objectification, revealing a deeply problematic gaze. This image speaks to a larger societal issue of objectification. The underwear drying in cool, blue bathrooms creates an interesting contrast. Is it a symbol of the intimate, private lives of the tourists that contrast with the public displays they are showing, or is it symbolic of the lingering presence of these tourists? It represents a tangible reminder of their temporary presence and perhaps a lingering sense of intrusion.

The Weight of Witness: A Final Reflection

In conclusion, "Tourists" is a powerful critique of the ways in which outsiders engage with a land steeped in history and conflict. Amichai uses sardonic imagery and stark contrasts to expose the perceived superficiality and commodification of grief. The poem ultimately serves as a poignant reflection on the complexities of cultural understanding, the burden of historical memory, and the often-problematic dynamics between visitor and visited. The poem leaves us wondering: Can genuine empathy ever truly bridge the gap between observer and observed, or are we forever destined to be mere tourists in each other's lives?