Are we really back to “normal” or just a lull until the next round of fighting?
The sounds of planes flying over have become a norm.
The weather was pleasant, and people returned to the streets of Jerusalem, Israel.
It was time to be back again in Jerusalem’s Old City to see what’s happening.
Entering through the Jaffa Gate, it was good to see people walking into the Old City.
Flags are still flying between Yom Hazikaron, Memorial Day, Yom Haatzmaut, Independence Day, and Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day.
The Tower of David Citadel rises iconically above the walls.
However, the old entrance inside Jaffa Gate is also impressive.
The columns of the ancient Cardo, a Roman-era street, stand tall in the Jewish Quarter.
There was a new water fountain for anyone who needed a drink on their way.
I was going to a special ceremony at the Kotel, Western Wall Plaza.
New soldiers were inducted into the Israel Defense Force, with thousands of family and close friends in attendance.
From my vantage point with the Kotel in the distance, there was another, much smaller, brief ceremony.
Under the white tallit, young children were blessed as the new soldiers fell into formation.
It was hard to find family in the large crowd. I tried many times.
The ceremony opens with lighting a memorial flame.
A few short speeches and Biblical readings, and each unit swears allegiance.
The ceremony ends with a prayer for safety and Hatikvah.
Hours of standing, waiting for a short ceremony, with pride and concern at the same time.
As the ceremony ended, the weapons were secured and not taken home.
Young women were also volunteering for combat duty.
I go out of my way now not to show their young, beautiful faces
One face in the crowd I knew well over the years, Chazan Shai Abramson.
He was the chief Chazan in the IDF, and now, in reserve duty, sings at special events.
(I have no idea who this other man is; he was standing nearby.)
On the way home, out of the Rova, Jewish Quarter, I noticed the construction fencing of the Tiferet Israel Synagogue had been removed. The last of the Old City synagogues destroyed in 1948 was nearing completion.
After years of watching the renovation, this was in 2019. I look forward to a tour inside.
Its white dome is higher than the more well-known Hurva Synagogue on the right.
As we approach Jerusalem Day, this year on May 15, 2026, the Jerusalem decorative street lights are ready in blue and white.
Shai Abramson led the IDF choir in the prayer for the IDF at the Great Synagogue. It was years ago, at the memorial service for the three boys. Israeli teenagers abducted and murdered by Hamas terrorists in June 2014: Eyal Yifrach (19), Gilad Shaar (16), and Naftali Frenkel (16).
Hoping it does not take another tragedy for Israel to unite again.
Jerusalem celebrates Israel at 78
So back to normal. The regular seesaw of life
Please keep sharing what’s really happening.
Hope to see you soon on the Jerusalem streets.