Jerusalem, Israel, is a city of contrasts.
A place of diversity, where the Jerusalem streets are constantly changing.
Jerusalem’s ancient Tower of David and the Old City walls are well known.
The lanes of Yemin Moshe have long been photo-worthy.
Now, with almost everyone having a camera on their smartphone, sights and scenes are widely shared.
The annual Jerusalem Unity Prize awards were presented at Beit Hanasi, the President’s residence, on May 24, 2026.
When Raviv Kaner began to sing, the phones began recording.
Awards were given to 5 communities and organizations for their efforts in promoting unity.
The last two awards were to individuals – Rabbi Yonatan Reiss, founder of the Chedvata network of haredi hesder yeshivot, was honored for advancing the integration of ultra-Orthodox young men into meaningful national service and Israeli society while maintaining strong religious observance.
The audience stood to applaud his award and work.
The final honoree, Sheikh Muwafaq Tarif, spiritual leader of Israel’s Druze community, also received a standing ovation for his longstanding efforts to strengthen relations between the Druze community and broader Israeli society and promote shared life among Israel’s diverse populations.
Also, a new book, “Heroism and Hope” by David Bryfman, was launched on Monday night.
Good to see a long-time connection doing well and launching his book on education in Jerusalem
Out on the Jerusalem streets this week, people were enjoying the weather.
Plus, the unusual quiet, with the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, there was less traffic.
Most construction sites were not active for the holiday.
The International Writers’ Festival was less international than in the past.
But as I was going to check it out, another couple was getting engaged nearby.
Ah, the Jerusalem streets where one could find “A little light can dispel a lot of darkness.”
While much of the news is negative, here are a few of Jerusalem’s views you may not have seen.
Construction from every direction, in the distance,
and not so far away.
The light rail construction drags on, with too many images of closed roads to share.
But if you get out to walk on the Jerusalem streets, there are roses to stop and smell.
And the old lanes of Nachlaot to admire.
Hoping for you to see for yourself the real Jerusalem streets.
Not next year in Jerusalem, but soon.