See if you Missed These 5 Things in Jerusalem

One thing Jerusalem, Israel, does not lack is a slow news day.

The cycle of events whirls by so quickly it is hard to keep up.

This week it seemed as if we were on fast speed with highs and lows.

Jerusalem streets were a mess from road construction closings. Then the spring-like weather came to an end. Winter rains pounded down and heavy winds slowed traffic to a crawl.

However, as always, more was happening on the Jerusalem streets.

Here is what you may have missed…

KNESSET at NIGHT

It had been a long time since I had been at the Knesset at night, the new blue lighting was impressive.

Across the road, the new entrance to the Wohl Rose Garden was also impressive.

“United we will win” plus yellow ribbons on the Knesset, and a list of no-nos greet you.

There was a special showing of the movie “CENTERED: Joe Lieberman” hosted by MK Ohad Tal.

Oh, how, we could use some politicians with his moral compass now, in the US and Israel.

WESTERN WALL NEW TOUR

It was a glorious day in the sunshine on the Jerusalem streets.

New soldiers were at Jaffa Gate and around the Old City. Always amazed how for many it is their first experience in Jerusalem and going to the Kotel, Western Wall, and learning the history.

The Western Wall Heritage Foundation has added new a audio-visual event for tourists.

It is fast-moving to capture the attention of young visitors, as the center changes with historical periods.

The visuals changed from the foundation stone to the Roman expulsion to modern times.

From the newest high tech, we went down to the oldest of levels of Jerusalem streets.

Not open to the public yet, these areas are being carefully excavated by archeologists, bit by bit.

The earliest levels are being exposed under the Western Wall Plaza.

Not under the Temple Mount, but in the areas near it, built over the millennia.

An old Ottoman area home is being exposed,

with interesting stones on the walls

and a place for a mezuzah on the doorpost.

When the tour opens it will be another fascinating look at the history of Jerusalem.

From the roof of the building, there was a clear view of the structural work being done on the plaza.

New supports must be laid to keep the current ground level stable with the underground excavations.

The Great Bridge Tour has been developed since my last visit in 2021 during Hanukkah.

The Roman theater and walkways improved,

but the draw and wonder of the ancient stones is eternal.

Near the end of the tour is a stop at the Western Wall Synagogue.

It is an impressive place to pray on Shabbat and holidays.

KOSOVO EMBASSY

The Kosovo Embassy hosted its annual International Holocaust Remembrance Day with the participation of Yad Vashem, marking 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz. A survivor and her family were highlighted with the launch of their new biographical book.

SHAON HOREF

The Jerusalem streets near Kikar Safra, Jerusalem’s City Hall Plaza are usually deserted after dark on the winter cold nights. The Shaon HorefWinter Noise Festival attempts to entice people to come to Jerusalem streets on Mondays nights during the winter.

Shushan Street was the first venue on the first February Monday night with lights and music playing.

There are 4 more Monday nights, the last on March 3, 2025, each based on a different Jerusalem street.

In the past I got a shot glass, this year colorful stickers were the giveaway.

The festival is aimed to draw young Israelis to explore lesser-known Jerusalem streets and eat and drink

However, on the Jerusalem streets, while you can tour, eat, drink, and celebrate, reminders of October 7 and the hostages are always a few steps away.

Next Year in Jerusalem for all.

Am Yisrael Chai!

Shabbat Shalom from the Jerusalem’s Western Wall Synagogue

The Real Jerusalem Streets has posted almost 100 Shabbat Shalom images and greetings,

flowers, scenes from north and south of Israel, and dozens from Jerusalem street scenes.

This past week, on a tour with the Western Wall Heritage Center,

one scene of the synagogue was impressive for a new Shabbat Shalom greeting.

שבת שלום

Watch as the Pendulum Swings February Begins in Jerusalem

Life in Jerusalem, Israel is like a pendulum swinging between chaos and calm.

This week was another one of extremes of emotions with the return of a few hostages from Gaza.

However, there are still another 79 humans held captive in Gaza, with no one certain how many are alive.

On one quiet day, I took a walk and saw recent landscaping had revealed one Jerusalem lion’s new colors.

With a down day but good weather going to the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens is my first choice.

You can look down at the muddy pond in the winter without the lilies.

However, every photographer knows there are different angles on all occasions.

Beautiful purple irises were popping out in full bloom for a sign of spring.

A long-time favorite is seeing white roses blooming in the winter in Jerusalem, Israel, in the midday sun.

Walking the Jerusalem streets is a challenge with the construction in so many locations.

Besides the light rail track work, new bike lanes will help cyclists.

However, how will emergency vehicles manage the reduced traffic lanes during rush hours?

Beware where you walk, no worry about too many bikes now, but also take time to look up.

It’s citrus season and trees along the Jerusalem streets are full of fruit against the blue sky.

If you need more color go by the Jerusalem Theater where new art fills the lobby and walls every month.

Colorful language too this week, Tuvia Tenenbom was at the Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem with his movie, “God Speaks Yiddish.”

The same night, the Jerusalem Theater had a full house for the music of Elvis Presley.

KUMA is still on display in the Bible Lands Museum’s temporary gallery.

The area was full earlier with visitors hearing the story of the young artist who fell in the Iron Swords War.

Yellow ribbons were outside. Yellow ribbons for the hostages in Jerusalem are almost everywhere.

New to Jerusalem – The new government of Argentina is opening its official residence in Jerusalem.

While there are thousands upon thousands of professional signs I could share, sometimes the simplest ones stand out “Together thanks – this is the light of this Nation.”

In honor of Groundhog’s Day, after finally transferring to digital and uploading to YouTube, here’s a video of our prime minister, when he was the UN ambassador in 1988.

What’s different after all this time?

Just like Bill Murray, Déjà vu, or another repeat as the pendulum swings?

Along the Jerusalem streets, trying to have a nice day, while reminders of fallen soldiers and hostages are everywhere can be an emotional ride any day.