Anna Loulou, the Jaffa bar that became a symbol of coexistence, is set to close its doors. Why is it happening, when, and are they planning on opening a new place?
The Anna Loulou bar just announced on their Facebook page they are closing, explaining "after eight amazing years in our cozy home at Hapninim Street in Jaffa, it is with a heavy heart that we inform you that the Anna Loulou Bar will be closing its doors at the end of this month.This was not an easy decision for us to make. As some of you know, our neighbourhood has become a residential area for the ultra wealthy. We find ourselves spending days and nights dealing with boring neighbors, police, and municipal agencies. What a waste of energy! We are taking a new way forward.
Anna Loulou © Ben Palhov
We have so many great memories from the past eight years. So much dancing, so many beautiful and embarrassing drunk conversations, so much music. And that’s just what we remember :) And so, sad though we are to leave our special cave, we are also crazy excited for the new road ahead of us. This is not the end of the Anna Loulou story. The future is full of opportunities. And we are going to work harder than ever to keep this community alive and together. Stay tuned!"
Anna Loulou © Ben Palhov
Over the years, the Anna Loulou bar has become a symbol of coexistence in Tel Aviv, albeit unintentionally, with many young Arab and Jewish people with common taste in music and parties visiting frequently. "The concept of co-existence is always used when mentioning Anna Loulou, and as far as I'm concerned, it's not what we were doing here. I don't think there's coexistence, but there's a common space for everyone. We're located in Jaffa and something was formed with time. What's important is: we welcome everyone," say the current owners.