Welcome Presidents to Jerusalem Winter Noise

 February,

it was so warm outside that I could not walk in the morning sun,

yet inside this afternoon I need boots, a sweater and to put on heat!

The US had Presidents Day,

but we also had our share of Presidents this week.

Flags were flying for Peru President Ollanta Humala’s visit.

The annual Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations

held its 40th Mission this week in Jerusalem, Israel.

Not just presidents attended the main dinner event.

 US Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro was welcomed by

Malcolm Hoenlein, the executive vice chairman of the Conference.

After Shapiro spoke and left,

 Hoenlein and PM Benjamin Netanyahu put their heads together.

I already blogged about that speech on Israellycool in a lite way,

but today showed we can make a difference.

I wondered what Moshe Arens was thinking as he listened.

The size of the gift from Hoenlein to the Prime Minister was a joking matter!

UPDATE:

Later in the week President Shimon Peres got the same gift.

With intense security precautions and not full ballroom,

that dinner was worlds away from what was happening right outside.

Every Monday night in February, in a different site is

a Jerusalem street festival called שאון חורף – Winter Noise.

This week all of Azza Street,

starting across from the Prime Ministers’ residence was the happening.

Along the way were several musical groups,

 illuminated buildings,

and street acts, many hard to describe or photograph.

Sorry I did not get in all of the skis, but think I got all the flags.

Just please do not ask me what this was supposed to be,

and I will spare you of more

‘I have no idea what this is supposed to be’ acts.

I am sure that I have that graffiti face in other street photos.

The mikvah for women located in Yad Tamar finally reopened,

after it was shut for a very long time for repairs.

I could not help feel sorry for some young tourist using it that night!

Usually boring and quiet, the building was bright

and people were dancing in street outside.

Hundreds of people were out and many were drinking beer.

Trying to control drinking, at one main site

signs were posted for 18-year old entrance and IDs.

Who knows what these two men must have thought?

Perhaps like they had found themselves in another planet!

The next morning the street was clean.

This the only sign of Winter Noise,

 though I imagine at least a few people had some dark circles

under their eyes from lack of sleep.

Watch out Ein Kerem, it is your turn next week.

Never know what you will find next on the Jerusalem streets.

I would like to mention that

 photos are available for purchase.