"Jerusalem syndrome” is a diagnosis commonly applied to explain the behavior of certain unique “characters” who are sometimes seen roaming the streets of the city.
Donning biblical garb, experiencing delusions or hallucinations, taking on a different name, and refusing to leave the city or Israel itself are some of the symptoms that are considered evidence of this unusual affliction
Is Jerusalem to blame for these episodes? Is there even such a thing as Jerusalem syndrome? What is it about this place that has such a strong and sometimes dangerous effect on some people?
The phenomenon may have surfaced recently with the disappearance of a British tourist during a visit to Israel several months ago. Oliver McAfee, 29, disappeared while cycling the Israel Trail in the Negev at the end of 2017.
In January, it was reported that McAfee, still not found, might be suffering from Jerusalem syndrome, as police confirmed that he wrote passages from the New Testament on several pieces of paper and rocks that were found in the desert. The police added to the report that it remained unclear if he had a psychological disorder.
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