The Jerusalem Syndrome by Davy Russell
POSTED: 21 July 2000
Every year in Israel's Holy City, a handful of Christian tourists are
suddenly transformed from seemingly healthy, normal people to street
preaching, psalm singing Bible characters often garbed in nothing more than
a hotel bed sheet. Psychiatrists have a name for this sudden onset of
delusion, the Jerusalem Syndrome, which was first diagnosed by Dr. Heinz
Herman in the 1930's. Those who are affected by the Jerusalem Syndrome
begin vigorously bathing to purify themselves, dress in robes or sheets, and
begin preaching in the streets believing they are Moses, John the Baptist,
or Jesus Christ, among others, who were sent on a "divine mission".
The Jerusalem Syndrome is usually benign; however, those affected by it have
been known to cause trouble. Such was the case with Australian tourist
Dennis Rohan in 1969. Claiming to be on a mission from God, Rohan set fire
to the Al Aqsa Mosque, which lead to citywide riots. Since this incident,
doctors and law enforcement treat the bizarre behaviour of the Jerusalem
Syndrome with caution.
As the year 2000 approached, the number of tourists anticipating the coming
apocalypse grew drastically, leading to an increase of strange Biblical
figures roaming the streets of Jerusalem. It was estimated that as many as
50 people a week would require hospitalization, a startling increase from
the average of 20 each year.
Although the Jerusalem Syndrome affects many that have a history of
psychiatric problems, many who experience the same delusions are sane,
healthy and successful businessmen, teachers, and professionals. The
Syndrome usually affects Protestant Christians, but it has also been
reported in religious Jews and in rare cases, Catholics. Usually lasting
about a week, most can be brought back to reality (with help) and have no
memory of their short-lived Biblical persona.
The most obvious cause of the Jerusalem Syndrome is religious fanaticism.
The fact that it only affects Christians and some Jews suggests that
subjects are prone to feeling a desire to be "called of God" and may
interpret impressions and feelings that they get from touring the city as an
actual Godly summons.
One of the more controversial theories suggests that the Jerusalem Syndrome
has been around before Christianity, and may have actually contributed to
the founding of the religion. This theory suggest that historical Bible
figures such as John the Baptist, the apostles, and even Jesus Christ were
affected by the syndrome. This, however, does not provide an explanation as
to the origins of such phenomenon.
The Jerusalem Syndrome is not entirely exclusive to Jerusalem. All over the
world, many people forsake otherwise ordinary lives to live out a Bible-hero
persona.
Sources: Dateline 22.Nov.99, IsraelWire 16.June.99, BMJ 20.Feb.99
Read more about the Jerusalem Syndrome:
http://www.jerusalemsyndrome.com
