JERUSALEM, Aug. 17 (JTA) — Memphis has nothing on
Jerusalem.
At least that’s the way Elvis Presley fans in the Jewish state would have it. Hundreds of them gathered Saturday at what was touted as the world’s largest statue of the king of rock ‘n’ roll was unveiled outside Jerusalem. Some of the fans wore Elvis costumes; others performed their own renditions of the king’s hits. The bronze statue, designed by Israeli sculpture Richard Shiloh, was erected outside the Elvis Inn, a gas station and restaurant run by Elvis devotee Eli Yoeli. The statue, unveiled during a ceremony marking the anniversary of Elvis’ death, was erected alongside a smaller white statue of the singer that has stood outside the restaurant for years. Inside the restaurant, the walls are adorned with Elvis memorabilia, and visitors can listen to Elvis tunes while dining on such regional fare as hummus and tahina.
