See the Faces of the Ambassadors of Truth

Sharon A

When moving to Jerusalem, Israel, almost 19 years ago, many things were new and different.

On a spring-like day, a favorite sign that winter is over is the colors of the flowers blooming in the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens, surrounded by the green new growth.

Also, seeing the white roses blooming in winter rather than the white snow is a Jerusalem favorite.

But this week I was not out every day enjoying the weather when it was warm.

Thursday at the Jerusalem International Conference Center was a conference “Ambassadors of Truth.”

You may have heard of this almost annual Jerusalem Conference Combatting Antisemitism this year.

I have gone in the past. This one was different, besides the calls to boycott it from a few Europeans and US “leaders,” which gave it more media attention.

There was the yellow chair empty – a symbol of remembering hostages and wanting their return.

Amichai Chikli, the Minister of Diaspora Affairs, was criticized for not consulting Diaspora leaders about who should be invited to the conference in Jerusalem.

The media paid close attention to who was invited to the conference, including Jordan Bardella, president of the French National Rally party, who came to Jerusalem and spoke.

 

He blamed rising antisemitism in Europe on migration and Islamism and stated support for Israel.

The panels included leading defenders of Israel on multiple international stages and media. If you do not know these names, please look them up and learn about their important work sharing the truth.

One national leader was the former President of the Republic of Paraguay, Horacio Cartes.

He was pleased to stop and let me take his photo after he finished his address, translated from Spanish.

Perhaps at these events, what happens in the halls is more important than the main stage.

For example, Lizzy Savetsky has spent countless hours defending Israel since October 7 and stayed around after the morning session with social media influencers to speak to attendees.

Several Ambassadors to Israel attended, notably the South Americans, Guatemala, Panama, and Paraguay.

My friend tells me I take it for granted that others know things when they do not. I have known Shawn Eni for a long time, before he became a media star with his fake Mossad posts on Twitter. On the right, I met “I’m That Jew” Eitan Chitayat for the first time after following his work for years.

The leaders of the Government Press Office were there, however, I only saw a few Knesset Members.

The US Ambassador’s residence is empty, waiting for the newest appointment to arrive.

But former Ambassador David Friedman was on stage for a one-on-one interview.

I am dropping all these names to share some of the people who came, like me, despite calls for a boycott.

The room, which was used in the past for this conference with tables as at a fancy dinner, was packed with chairs and people.

David Collier did important work to expose BBC failures in journalism and reporting. Sadly, they gave him an honored spot, but spelled his name wrong.

Sylvan Adams also spoke strongly about the importance of attending and not boycotting.

The security had been at a high level for the attendance of the Prime Minister, who came to speak.

Crowds and cameras came for Netanyahu and the list of foreign speakers.

My problem was keeping my phone charged to record it all.

I wanted to stay for the evening program, and that is what I feel is most important to share with you.

Before the program began, this was the message projected on the background screen: “If you receive an alert during an event, stay seated, bend over as much as possible, and protect your head with your hands for 10 MInutes. it is important to stay where you are to avoid injury.”

My going to the conference earlier in the day was delayed by an alert siren as I was leaving the house. I was very happy to be home and not outside on the street. The Houtis make sure we don’t forget there is a war raging around us. Again today, there was a ballistic missile aimed at Israel from Yemen and an alert.

A beautiful version of “October Rain” was part of the entertainment with dancers.

The main reason I wanted to come was to hear Ayaan Hirsi Ali. I first heard her speak at a Peres Tomorrow Conference years ago and have been a fan since. It was concerning when, over 10 years ago, Brandeis University withdrew her honorary degree.

Australian journalist Erin Molan received a special award, Beacon of Truth, from Minister Chikli.

What a world where a special award is given for speaking the truth.

There were protests against this conference by old voices in the US and Europe.

However, what I found the most impressive part of a very long day was the US university students who came. Their articulate voices are encouraging and the hope for the future.

The audience had dwindled from hundreds to dozens by the end of the program.

However, I will leave you with two more names to know: Shabbos Kestenbaum and Ami Kozak.

The voices of the IDF choir closed the conference with Hatikvah.

More photos from the day can be found HERE

Back on the real Jerusalem streets, one finds Passover cleaning supplies on display.

Oh, those Jerusalem streets under repair with Eid al Fitr today, they worked last week well past midnight.

The Jerusalem Marathon is on Friday, April 4, 2025, and the streets have to be ready. The Jerusalem streets will be filled with thousands of runners

It’s marathon time and preparing for Passover when everyone concludes –

Next year in Jerusalem

Jerusalem Day and Night – See What’s New

Sharon A

Another week flew by on the Jerusalem streets.

And as usual, with highs and lows, and unexpected encounters and happenings.

Today sharing photos you probably did not see, or at least I never saw reported.

The week began with perfect spring-like weather.

The YMCA Jerusalem stone tower against the blue sky with wisps of clouds and blossoms on the trees – the beautiful Jerusalem colors that inspired The Real Jerusalem Streets and logo.

At the YMCA at night, Ramadan is celebrated. The month-long Muslim holiday ends March 30th with Eid el Fitr.

I met across the street from the YMCA at the King David Hotel with Wanda Peretz to hear about her new book “The Ceiling.”

The Jerusalem Theater was lit with special lights on Tuesday night for the Mayor’s Volunteer Awards.

I went as a long-time volunteer helping lone soldiers and supporter of The Michael Levin Base.

Pleased to see that another non-profit I did volunteer work for was also recognized. Tenufa Bakehila, helps low-income families improve their homes and lives.

I remember one woman who exclaimed, “I feel like a bride!” seeing her new “after” kitchen.

As at every program, the murdered and hostages since October 7 were remembered.

By the security entrance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MFA, are more of those faces and a “Bring them home” banner.

Inside, the briefing in English by the MFA spokesperson became timely as new missile attacks and fighting started again, with sirens in Jerusalem, as well as huge sections of Israel.

What I really wanted to know was – who were the government limousines lined up waiting to transport?

It has been a while since I was inside the MFA and do not remember the fish pond. It was a good spot to stop and talk with a group of US Mayors touring Israel before they went inside.

The real streets include prolonged protest sites which I usually avoid and leave for others. However, this one has been set up near the Knesset against the government from before the war.

Walking from the MFA calming fish pond it was on my way home. Everyone I know wants the war to end and all the hostages returned. The question is how to accomplish it.

The week ended with cold wet weather. But even with the grey sky, there was bright color if you look.

The finish line for the International Jerusalem Marathon, to be held on April 4, 2025, was up over this Jerusalem street. Tens of thousands are expected to run in the various races.

And the spring flowers are again popping up from the old stones.

Jerusalem, day and night, cold and hot, even under missile fire – Israel is rated the 8th happiest country.

Am Yisrael Chai – See you Next Year in Jerusalem!

It’s Purim in Jerusalem – Best Costume and Parade Photos

Sharon A

Favorites of Jerusalem Purim 2025 in Photos

Purim is a major festival time in Jerusalem, Israel.

Even though we celebrated this year on a day when the Megillah Esther was not read,

on the Jerusalem streets, it is hard to miss the color and celebrations.

Store windows are lined with food gift baskets of all sizes to give as Mishloah Manot.

Readings for Megillah Esther seem to be everywhere and every hour in some neighborhoods.

We went to a small synagogue this year where red hats were in vogue in various styles. We were able to hear every word. In many larger congregations, the noisemakers drown out the reader.

Some masks were good disguise, but not so pleasant,

but this woman’s mask was a Purim favorite.

This year Purim stretched over 3 days from Thursday night to Sunday night. However, Sunday was when the main events were held on the Jerusalem streets, with a Purim Parade starting in the morning and dancing in the streets into the afternoon.

The police band led off the parade, with the yellow ribbon for the hostages behind, followed by the Mayor and honored guests, the families of hostages.

The Train Theater developed dozens of new floats. This guy was a favorite of mine.,

Her smile at the start of the Parade was also a favorite.

Characters in costume interacted with the thousands of spectators of all ages that lined the route.

Imagine walking the Jerusalem streets on stilts! I have enough trouble in flat shoes.

One colorful creation after another, some hard to describe,

moved slowly along the Jerusalem streets.

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Short ones and long ones, dozens of creations to entertain on Purim.

These young acrobats were impressive to watch as they flipped along the Jerusalem streets.

This man won my best spectator hat prize, I wish I had captured the plant before or after he passed the tree so you could see the forest on his head more clearly.

Some spectators’ costumes were as impressive as the parade participants,

like this guy who walked by – oh my.

There was a new huge yellow lion this year,

plus little ducks in a row.

Even a live animal walking along with the hundreds of people in the parade was appreciated.

Colorfully dressed belly dancers performed as they walked,

while agile young athletes did impressive stunts.

And yes, Spider-Man was there, along with the white doves, marchers, floats, and more.

It was warm and sunny and a great day for a parade,

but that was not all…

We went to a family Purim Seuda, a holiday meal with lots of grilled meats and salads.

However, this was not our family meal.

As Purim was ending, President Herzog hosted an elegant Iftar, a Ramadan break fast meal, at Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s Residence, for Israeli and Arab leaders.

I recognized and got a smile from IDF Arabic spokesperson Colonel Avichay Adrae.

The dessert looked amazing but after eating all day, it was time to go home and not try the treats.

I went by this sign on the way home, “Am Yisrael Chai” Israel has been at war for over 500 days with 59 hostages, but life goes on on the Jerusalem streets as thousands of our finest risk their lives in the north and south on reserve duty. Their young families try to keep going on the home front.

Purim is a day of upside-downs, but that was not all…

It’s not easy, and hard to believe – but the Nation of Israel not only lives but thrives.