Going into the fourth week of a war we did not start or want, Jerusalem streets are slowly but sadly going back to life. The jokes about the change of clock last night abound. Instead of going back an hour, three weeks and a day would be much more appreciated.
News and new sights on the Jerusalem streets for this past week include:
Flags, banners, slogans, prayers, and hotels filled with citizens evacuated from the south of Israel.
New long flags on apartment buildings, with many apartments filled with displaced Israelis.
Signs of strength together,
and Am Yisrael Chai!
The People of Israel Live! even has been written on stone.
One sight not expected but good to see is the new double-decker tour bus back on the Jerusalem streets!
And oh there were weddings, so many postponed and doubtful to the last minute. But weddings were held, downsized, or relocated, but with music and dancing.
The signs for the new National Library were posted along Azza Street, but its grand opening was delayed.
Today the reading rooms were to be opened for residents of the south on a limited basis. When I went by last week to check, two young women wearing hijabs were sitting outside, the only signs of life visible.
The Scouts have their Israeli flag at half mast as a sign of mourning.
The Israel Museum has more Israeli flags raised as a sign of support for the challenges ahead.
The ‘Upside Down World’ was standing tall on the deserted museum grounds, also to reopen today.
The over 230 hostages under the slogan #BringThem Home Now, line both sides of this Jerusalem street.
Babies and old people have been held captive for over 3 weeks in Gaza. Why do we not hear any world outcry for their release from the Hamas terrorists?
So more big flags, and faces,
too many faces to comprehend – Bring Them Home Now – should be a universal humanitarian demand.
Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, security is visibly increased.
We hope we do not have to use them, but public bomb shelters have been drastically improved.
Though no one can predict what will happen next, my friend who returned this week from the US was surprised her plane was full, young people and young families were coming to Israel.
The sounds of young children playing in the schoolyards can be heard again on the Jerusalem streets.
And that is the best news and sight – and sound.
Hurray for the uplifting endnotes among all the truths. That the world is not crying out for Jewish hostages does not surprise-but the Russians, French and many Thai workers! Indeed perverted. Glad the public shelters are getting a well needed airing. May they be clean and not needed.
So much volunteer cooking baking and hosting is also not a surprise. We are a good people. At the end of all the arguments we are family.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Dear Sharon,
Thank You! Your pictures and coverage here in Jerusalem is deeply appreciated!
Keep safe.
Love, Kayla
Thank you Kayla, trying to keep it real!