Israeli Paraglider Saves Swifts Nesting at Western Wall

Amnonn Hahn, a 72-year-old Israeli and former paragliding champion, dedicates his retirement to rescuing migrating swifts that nest in Jerusalem, including at the Western Wall, Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Hahn began his conservation work after noticing nestlings falling from increasingly unsuitable nesting locations in modern buildings. He now fosters rescued birds by placing them in the care of swifts raising their own young, who readily accept the additions to their broods.

Hahn’s connection to the swifts began in 1999 when he paraglided alongside them, experiencing a “magical” flight that inspired him to protect the species. Across Europe, swift populations are declining due to insect loss, climate change, and lack of nesting sites, a trend Hahn observes in Israel as well.

He works with communities and city councils to install nesting boxes on buildings, ensuring the birds have safe places to raise their young. With urban development threatening existing nesting areas, Hahn’s efforts are crucial to preserving the swift population and a symbol of peace in a contested region.