What has been happening on the Jerusalem streets?

Operation Roaring Lion has roared for over a week.

International Women’s Day is March 8.

This year, there will be no in-person large conferences or live celebrations.

The Israeli security has limited groups to 50 people until at least tomorrow night.

Very glad I went to the Israel Museum last week, before it and the other museums closed.

At the Tower of David, all museum galleries are protected spaces, with an additional shelter in the entrance pavilion.

Therefore, the museum will operate Sunday–Thursday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Each year, I try to get out and find the best Purim costumes.

There were reports of large groups on Purim in Nachalot and the Machane Yehuda Market.

They are crowded with costumed and often inebriated celebrants each year on Purim.

This year, I did not go out to explore the Jerusalem streets, but saw one man coming in.

We went into a shelter during a siren.

Then he was on his way to deliver mishloach manot, food gifts, to a friend.

By Thursday afternoon, I had to get out. Where else to go and be safe but the community shelter?

The kitchen looked well-used, but clean enough. The two toilets were ok also.

Good timing? I stayed to talk with a university student trying to study.

He was alone when I arrived.

However, after a few minutes, a siren sounded for incoming missiles. The room filled up quietly and quickly.

After being given the all clear, the crowd left. One woman remained, and the chess game was ready for the next move.

In the community shelter are two signs – no nuts, but WIFI with code.

As I walked around the corner, people were already eating and back to work.

Some of the overnight Jerusalem street construction has proceeded with new pavement and bright white lines.

Reminders of the losses on October 7 and since continue with new stickers.

The purple recycling bin was moved to work on the sidewalk. The two holes reminded me of eyes peaking over the stone wall.

Here’s looking to better days and quiet nights, to get back to more happening on the Jerusalem streets.

Before COVID, it seems like so very long ago.