December Holiday Time in Jerusalem

How is this December holiday season different than other years on the Jerusalem streets?

At night, walking near the Old City walls I saw signs of progress and innovation.

However, the new lighting also showed the lack of tourists for this time of year.

New lights installed along the wall near Jaffa Gate illuminate the stones, where a lone man was walking.

This man sat in his usual spot to collect charity from those who walked toward Jaffa Gate.

The stickers of fallen soldiers covered the metal doors.

The Santa Claus off of the plaza inside was back, perhaps larger than usual.

New Gate, the entrance to the Christian Quarter, is usually lit up for the holiday. I was disappointed to see it closed and dark inside, early in the evening, so close to December 25th.

In contrast, on the other side of the Jerusalem street were the lights lit at the French Hospital.

Is there another hospital in the world run by nuns, which serves only kosher food, with a big decorated tree out front?

The YMCA is bright with lights every night in December.

Mamilla Mall had lights overhead and people strolling.

The sufganiyot, Hanukkah donuts, have been displayed all month at bakeries, this one at Mamilla Mall.

These Hanukkiot, Hanukkah menorahs, were bright in the store window.

An annual Bar and Bat mitzvah event for children who lost a parent to terror was at Beit Hanasi again.

At the President’s Residence, the yellow chair for remembering the hostages was front and center.

These young people and their families need no reminders of what a difficult year this has been.

Neither do those on the Jerusalem streets who see bus stops covered with posters as a reminder.

Some of the Jerusalem streets have these colorful Hanukkah lights above during December.

Hanukkah and Christmas are to be celebrated at the same time this year on December 25th.

I wish more tourists were on the Jerusalem streets to appreciate the lights at night.

But it is easier to get a clear shot of the I LOVE Jerusalem sculpture at Tzahal Square near the Old City, without the usual visitors climbing over it and crowds taking photos around it.

Next year in Jerusalem – hope to see you here to appreciate the holiday lights.