The Sukkot holiday is always a busy time of year, with many activities and events held not only on the Jerusalem streets, but all over Israel.
This year was almost back to normal with international visitors arriving to celebrate.
Adding to the excitement on Chol Hamoed, the intermediate days of Sukkot marked the announcement of the ceasefire and end of war. The Chord Bridge was lit with US and Israeli flags.
The Knesset was also lit in red, white, and blue to honor the US.
My week started with a special event at the Alyn Hospital for the Gilat Foundation with Yishay Ribo!
The audience appreciated the music, and so did the Dutch family’s organization, which provides entertainment to children who are in hospitals for treatment.
Flags for the United States were raised over the Jerusalem streets to welcome US President Trump tomorrow morning, who is to speak at the Knesset.
Sukkot is a school vacation time each year, and families are looking for activities.
In Jerusalem, Gan Sacher, Sacher Park had entertainers on Thursday for families.
The Jerusalem Municipality also provided colorful activities for free.
However, many Israelis found the International Jerusalem March to be the best entertainment.
Starting in the afternoon, people from over 70 countries walked around the park, some in costumes.
All were smiling and interacting with the spectators under colorful international flags.
Children received small flags from the marchers. Not sure who enjoyed the interactions more.
Security was relaxed, and a good time was had by all involved.
Brazil was near the end of the march, with a smaller group than in past years, but as always, enthusiastic.
The positive interactions between locals and the love displayed for Israel from the visitors were impressive. In a time when the international media was so negative, the march was full of music and song, and positive vibes were felt by all.
At the entrance to Gan Sacher, there is a piano with a “You are not alone” yellow sign on top. The hostages are impossible to forget – even in the best of times and celebrations.
Optimism for their return was a theme of the annual Sukkot United Hatazalah Gala after Shabbat at the Jerusalem International Conference Center.
Lights, music, special guests, and MC Elon Gold filled the auditorium stage
Backstage before the show began, UH President Eli Beer met with influencer Lizzy Savetsky, who has been working overtime to promote Israel and is here from New York for the holidays.
Popular singer Avraham Fried was a main attraction as usual.
However, it was the US Ambassadors to Israel who got a standing ovation when introduced.
David Friedman was a UH supporter long before he became ambassador. Current Ambassador Mike Huckabee was not only present but also up dancing with Eli Beer to Avraham Fried’s niggun.
The highlight of this UH event was near the end when the Ambassadors got on stage to perform.
Joined by Avraham Fried at the end, the full-house crowd rose in appreciation.
It was an impressive and amazing evening, glad I was able to attend.
There were fewer people on Sunday morning at the Kotel, Western Wall, for Birkat Cohanim.
The large broadcasted Priestly Blessing was done twice this year, the first time on Thursday morning drew a huge crowd.
The tens of thousands included the Ethiopian leaders, Kezim, under their colorful umbrellas.
I did not go this year; however, the Blessing is the same as last year and the years before.
The sukkot lit at night were found on and off Jerusalem streets as every year.
Now, we prepare for the end of the holiday week and Simhat Torah.
All are hoping for a day filled with joy for the holiday.
But first tonight, many will stay up learning Torah all night on Hashanna Raba.
חג שמח
Chag sameach!