Three weeks ago a bomb exploded in Jerusalem,
killing one woman and injuring many others.
Over the weekend 150 rockets were fired from Gaza into southern Israel,
and the Iron Dome defense system
was employed to defend the residents of Ashkelon and Beersheva.
Nevertheless, on Monday,
a delegation of government officials from India toured Jerusalem
and Beit HaNasi, the official President’s residence,
got spruced up for a visit by Spanish royals.
It is amazing that despite all the negative press, official visitors,
ordinary tourists,
and tour groups of all kinds
come from
around the world to see Israel…
and they keep coming.
On both the cold and cloudy days of winter
and the warm days of spring,
whether following a blue sign
or a red rose,
they come each day by the thousands.
Some come dressed
in distinctive clothing,
to see the Kotel, the Western Wall, from a distance
or up close.
Some children are happy to pose for the camera,
while others are not willing targets.
Foreign tourists want to be photographed with security personnel.
The estimated number of visitors to Jerusalem this year is in the millions
and the official tourist season is just beginning.
It’s really amazing, so many special tourists…
and perhaps those taking photos
will help to show the world…
the real Jerusalem streets.
