The Real Jerusalem Streets

IRAN.

As I write this, the situation in Iran is tumultuous after nearly two weeks.

Will the people rising against the regime succeed in their protests this time?

Is there a comparison to the Soviet Refusniks?

In recent years, the Menachem Begin Heritage Center has hosted a diverse range of programs for English speakers, including book launches.

As most were also available on Zoom, I did not attend them all in person. You can find them on YouTube.

However, a special book launch in Jerusalem, Israel, on January 5, 2026, was for “Be a Refusnik” by Izabella Tabarovsky.

Here are the four panelists sitting together before the program, with David Hazony holding the book.

“Be a Refusenik: A Jewish Student’s Survival Guide” explores how Cold War-era Jewish resistance offers a roadmap for confronting modern anti-Zionism.

Tabarovsky traced the ideological lineage between Soviet anti-Zionism and the rhetoric now commonplace on Western campuses with young leaders.

After 1967, Soviet Jews refused to accept the idea that they had to live without a connection to the Jewish people. “It became a source of inspiration far beyond the Soviet Union, galvanizing Jews worldwide to campaign for their freedom,” she stated.

If you have not heard of Izabella or Rawan Osman, who was in the audience and joined the panelists after for a photo. Look up who they are and what they are doing now to support Israel with truth against the propaganda and lies.

The Jerusalem Theater has featured many Israeli artists’ work on the walls of its multiple lobbies, which RJS has shared over the years.

This week, a new exhibit opened with vivid pieces made by enlarging high-resolution small images.

This opening event offered wine and a lecture along with the food. Visitors wanting to escape the stormy winter weather should know that the art exhibitons on the Jerusalem Theater walls are free to view. The wine is not.

One day, the sun was shining, and I walked into town. Each time is a wonder to see the construction and building changing in Jerusalem.

Remember this old photo of Solomon’s Pool?

It’s across from Gan Haatzmaut, Independence Park, next to Mamilla Cemetery. The winter rain has turned it green.

Last week, the pool had some water and wooden scaffolding.

I could not get as close as in the past, but a few workers were on site.

The stones on the walls of the pool must be secured before the area is opened to the public.

It will be interesting to see how they restore Solomon’s Pool.

Yoel Solomon Street is one area that was renovated as a tourist attraction. The tourists are slowly returning. Hopefully, the threats from Iran will not see new barrages of ballistic missiles to keep them away.

We move on to launch books, produce art, and look into schools for children for next year. However, the war is not over. The threats and losses are real and still felt daily. A rocket was launched from Gaza last week, but fell short near a Gaza hospital. New signs and initiatives emerge in memory of fallen soldiers. The wounded still endure therapies. Reserve soldier families, soldier on.

Winter plants are filling the Jerusalem street flower beds.

I continue to wonder who benefits from the repeated plantings year after year?

January 11, 2026, is the World Cancer Walk – www.worldcancerwalk.com.

Participants from over 250 cities were given a one-hour time slot to go on a walk. The combination of the hours around the world will equal one full 24-hour day. Jerusalem, Israel, was from 11:00 to noon. I missed seeing this in time. However, we know cancer has no borders.

Wishing a healthy and good year in 2026.

Not next year, but time now to say “this year in Jerusalem!”