Mamilla Mall
While Mamilla Mall was under construction
there were many who doubted its potential.
It was a convenient route to the Jaffa Gate and the Old City,
but who would shop in the expensive stores along Mamilla Avenue?
Stores have closed,
but new businesses open immediately.
The crowds keep coming…Israelis, both Jewish and Arab, and lots of tourists.
Brides favor the location for wedding photos.
Street actors and mimes often perform on the avenue
and colorful balloons are a common sight.
Every night as the lights go on, it is the place to visit.
Often tourists can be found posing with the works of art on display.
Music is the current theme of the art exhibitions
and the pieces are varied.
The original stones were numbered, taken apart, and put back up.
The results can be seen behind this piece of art.
And people come to eat…
often there are lines to get in to the most popular places.
Most days you will find the “United Jerusalem” guy,
but you will not find any signs of BDS: boycott, divest and sanction
or Israeli apartheid in Mamilla Mall,
located in Jerusalem,
next to the walls of the Old City.
Jerusalem Marathon 2012 is Coming
The Jerusalem Marathon is coming.
Signs announcing the March 16th event seem to be everywhere.
For months now, the grounds near Gan Sacher, Sacher Park ,
both along the marathon route around the park
and in the park have been improved.
Roads leading into the park have new bollards installed.
While around the world “Occupy” tent cities have been emptied,
often by police on horseback in riot gear,
the tents near the main entrance of Gan Sacher
are still occupied.
In spite of a rainy and cold winter,
families live in the makeshift dwellings.
These young people may be on the ultimate social justice field trip,
wanting to interview people who have refused offers of temporary housing.
With thousands of people expected in Jerusalem for the marathon,
it is hard to imagine that this scene
and these structures will still be here next month
when the Second Jerusalem Marathon is run.
If you missed the marathon last year, be sure and see:
