Jerusalem Lag B’Omer to Yom Yerushalayim

Jerusalem, Israel center of the world?

Jerusalem at center of world

This mural, based on a medieval map, is at Kikar Safra, Municipal Square, and is called “Center of the World.” There’s Jerusalem in the center with Europe, Asia, and Africa positioned around it.

Walls of Old City Jerusalem Israel light with flags and we stand with you COVID-19

With the world going virtual and viral during this coronavirus crisis, a night of unity with the Diaspora was held with a projection on the walls of the Old City near Jaffa Gate, which had flags and the message “Israel stands with you.”

Now is a good time to stay inside.

A May heatwave is not unusual in Jerusalem.

Neither is the weather going from too cold to too hot.

However, this week is very hot!

Jerusalem Israel view of Valley of Cross from above

On my last walk before locking down, the Valley of Cross was bright green.

Today in the dry heat it is rapidly turning to summertime dead yellow.

But the big news, after over 500 days and 3 elections – there is a government.

Israeli Government 35 cabinet in Chagall Hall

The new Israeli Government #35 has 36 Ministers and 15 Deputy Ministers. The first socially distanced meeting was held in the Chagall Hall. Already there is the discussion (or rather dispute) whether this is better than a 4th election. Time will tell, but stability and progress would be nice. Meanwhile coming up with clever names for ministerial positions kept some folks entertained.

Lag B’Omer was very different this year, besides the cool weather last week.

In Jerusalem, we could open our windows, as air quality was a great improvement over past Lag B’Omer celebrations.

The smell of forest fires was in the air this morning, though we cannot see anything burning.

However, for Lag B’Omer, Jerusalem is not the place to be, but usually Meron is.

Light large fire at Meron on Lag B'Omer

This year the only legal large bonfires were in Meron.

Where, instead of the usual tens of thousands of people crowding around, 50 guests were allowed for each of three fires.

One of the Lag B’Omer events at Mount Meron was broadcast live by the Government Press Office.

Singers on Lag B'Omer at Meron at night

Musicians and speakers were spread out on various outdoor positions.

Screen shot GPO live of Meron on Lag B'Omer coronavirus

The guitarist was wearing a mask.

Boyaner rebbe wearing gloves at Mount Meron

The Boyaner Rebbe who was honored to light the fire wore gloves.

Two Haredi men wearing hats and face shields COVID19

These two men wore face shields, at a very different Meron celebration this Lag B’Omer.

In Jerusalem, for Lag B’Omer in the afternoon, our local Chabad tried to provide some music.

It was not quite Macy’s parade but was meant to entertain the children at home.

Now schools have reopened and traffic appears to be back to normal.

Emergency MDA bus
Credit MDA Spokesperson

COVID-19 new cases and other numbers have gone down. But MDA is ready with its latest emergency vehicle – a MDA bus.

Inside demonstration of new MDA bus treatment center
Credit MDA Spokesperson

Inside multiple patients can be treated at the same time as seen demonstrated above.

Israel transports into Gaza in May 2020 COVID-19

The entire time of this novel coronavirus Israel has sent supplies into Gaza on a regular basis. The first week of May, 260 tons of medical supplies crossed over from Kerem Shalom Crossing.

View of Nachlaot in Jerusalem Israel

On my last photo walk, this was a view of Shaarei Hesed.

Liberty Bell Park in Jerusalem Israel in January 2020

Here is another image from the Liberty Bell Park.

For the first time, Jerusalem has overtaken Eilat in the number of hotel rooms (11,100) and now has the most in Israel. Some hotels are planning to start open next month.

No idea when photo walks will start up again.

King George Street Yom Yerushalayim

The crowds of singing and dancing for Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, will not happen as in the past years. The major official event will begin at Mercaz Harav Yeshiva on Wednesday evening with the Prime Minister and President scheduled to speak.

Music and songs will be broadcast by Jerusalem municipality and multiple organizations. Smaller events are to be held in Jerusalem community locations.

Plus, there are to be small local flag dances in dozens of cities around Israel to celebrate the 53 yeas of the reunification of Jerusalem.

Yom HaZikaron and Yom Haatzmaut flags and flowers

Neighbors have their flags ready for Yom Yerushalayim. 

Jerusalem Pesach crowd on Jaffa Road

Celebrations changed drastically this year. The large holiday crowds did not appear as last year.

Jerusalem Israel Dome of Rock Old City

For centuries Jerusalem has been an attraction. Last year, 1.26 million tourists stayed in Jerusalem, spending a total of 4.17 million nights in the city.

Jerusalem continues to be Israel’s largest city, with 919,400 residents.

For a second consecutive year, there was negative migration of -6000, the lowest level for a decade. Of those leaving the city, 46% have left for communities in the Jerusalem metropolitan area. The number of those moving to Jerusalem is the highest ever – 12,800 people.

Red sky at sunset over Israel Museum in Jerusalem Israel

And the blazing sky over the Israel Museum and Jerusalem streets at sunset – impressive.

4 thoughts on “Jerusalem Lag B’Omer to Yom Yerushalayim

  • May 18, 2020 at 10:41 am
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    I was waiting for your clear explanation of the election aftermath. You did not disappoint. So good to know what’s happening in Jerusalem.

    Reply
    • May 18, 2020 at 10:45 am
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      Thank you. Much more, but I try to keep it short and sweet.

      Reply
      • May 18, 2020 at 5:30 pm
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        we really appreciate your blog particularly at a time when we are not venturing out to our usual cultural events. we forwarded it to our daughter and son-in-law in warsaw who is there on shlichut and hope it will give them a boost of morale which they can then share with their community.

        Reply
        • May 18, 2020 at 5:41 pm
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          Thank you, so good to hear it is appreciated. I hope they can join some of the Yom Yerushalayim events online. The Mercaz Harav service should be easy to find on social media. Hard to decide which others to watch, there are so many,

          Reply

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