Jerusalem Celebrates Israel’s 64th
This week was a roller coaster ride of emotions,
going from mourning on Yom Hazikaron, Remembrance Day,
to the joyous celebrations for Yom Ha’atzmaut, Independence Day.
On Thursday night fireworks displays lit up the sky over Jerusalem,
to celebrate Israel at 64.
In Jerusalem on Yom Ha’azmaut
the hammers were bigger, but softer.
These people were watching the Air Force fly over,
but by their expressions I assume they missed my blog post.
The annual International Bible Contest was held in the morning
and the Israel Prizes were presented in the evening,
but most people spent much of the day at a mangal, a BBQ, grilling meat.
Gan Sacher, Sacher Park, was the site of many family reunions,
but I spent most of the day in Gan Sacher with 400 lone soldiers.
The Lone Soldier Center in memory of Michael Levin’s mangal
served 60 kilo of meat to young people from around the world and Israel,
who do not have families here with whom to celebrate.
See more photos of the event on the Real Jerusalem Streets Facebook page.
Gan Sacher did not seem as crowded as usual,
as there were plenty of open spaces for a “foam fight”
and there was plenty of the foam for sale.
I was impressed that in such a relaxed atmosphere, people made time for
this impromptu mincha, afternoon prayer, one of many that took place.
Smoke filled the sky all day,
while the weather was perfect.
Tons of equipment were schlepped and food consumed… and beer.
Israel at 64 was celebrated in Jerusalem in a big way.
Why do Israelis get so hung up about their Independence Day?
We will keep looking for answers to the question.
Like this:
Yom Hazikaron in Jerusalem
Wednesday was Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Remembrance Day
for those killed in war and by terror attacks.
It was observed in many ways. Some do not observe it at all.
I was at two major traffic locations when the memorial sirens sounded.
At night on Derech Hevron, Hebron Road, near the walls of the Old City,
cars kept moving and a large truck tried to pass against traffic.
On the Begin Highway some drivers got out of their cars before the
11:00am siren and stood silently, but as the siren began I was very surprised
to see many cars zooming around the stopped vehicles.
I decided not to show those disappointing video scenes,
but rather to share a few more positive photos.
The official government ceremony was held at the Kotel,
the Western Wall, on Tuesday night,
where an honor guard stood by the memorial flame.
The food court of the Rova, the Jewish Quarter of the Old City was closed.
Many parts of the Old City were dark and quiet.
At The Sultan’s Pool, a huge stage was built and thousands gathered
for a musical presentation sponsored by the Jerusalem Municipality.
There were hundreds of young people,
but you could hear a pin drop during the siren and no one moved.
All over Jerusalem the next day,
fresh flowers could be found at memorial locations,
marking the memory of dear ones lost.
The Begin Highway looked like a parking lot,
as many people drove to the Har Herzl Military cemetery
to attend the official ceremony and to visit graves.
This speed sign showed that no one was driving too fast.
Red memorial flames were displayed, while Israeli flags flew at half-mast.
This year there seemed to be many more
flags than usual.
I found a flag flying on top of this phone booth…
yes, there are still are a few phone booths.
Israeli flags were displayed with pride this year.
I watched the young children at one memorial event
and thought of all the lives lost.
Are there really any Israelis who do not want peace
in the future for their children?
Shabbat shalom.
Like this:
Ready to Celebrate Israel’s 64th Independence Day
If you are not in Jerusalem this week
you are missing out on a very special time,
as Jerusalem gets ready for Yom Ha’atzmaut, Independence Day.
The weather has been cool and sunny during the day, with clear blue skies,
as the streets fill with blue and white Israeli flags.
At major intersections someone is usually selling flags for car windows.
Even Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu stopped his motorcade to buy a flag.
It is reported that he gave the seller a 5 shekel tip.
I wonder how you report that for taxes?
As you can see,
in some neighborhoods business has been very good this year.
This flag was one I had not seen before. It reads “God, He is King.”
The long Israeli flags are flying and ready for Independence Day,
but yesterday I was lucky to see…
the dress rehearsal of planes as they flew over
the Knesset Building
and the Israel Museum.
They were fast, loud and high in the sky as they flew away from Jerusalem.
There was time for one photo as they were coming towards me,
just before they split from their perfect formation.
This morning, the sad music on the radio has begun…
for first we will experience the flames and tears of Yom Hazikaron,
Remembrance Day for the fallen soldiers and victims of terror.
After remembering those lost in war and to terror attacks,
then it will be time to celebrate Israel’s 64th Independence Day.
Like this:
Google Maps Jerusalem
Google cars were in Jerusalem in November 2011,
they were easy to recognize going up and down the streets.
Now Google Street Views of Israel are going on-line
and everyone can find their favorite Jerusalem street.
You will still see signs for Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day.
However,
this time of year you will see Israeli flags lining the streets,
hanging in store windows,
and flying along many major roads.
The signs are out, Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day, is next week.
What a perfect time for Google to show the Jerusalem streets
turning blue & white for Israel’s 64th birthday celebrations!
I wrote about a special Yom Hashoah event for The Times of Israel,
please check it out and comment.
Like this:
Passover Leftovers
Passover has ended.
I used 150 eggs, large quantities of potatoes, onions,
sugar and chocolate this week,
and not one cookie or crumb of cake is left in the house.
However, there are still a few holiday leftovers that I would like to share.
Flags lined Israel Highway #6 for millions of people on their holiday trips,
while in Jerusalem you could find dancing on the streets
and families dressed in their holiday finest.
Crowds filled Gan Sacher, Sacher Park.
At times there seemed to be more tents than during “The Occupy Protest”
and so much smoke that I made the mistake of calling it “Gan Smoker.”
Gan Sacher is big enough, though, to find a quiet spot
for conversation, grilled meat and a bottle wine.
No need to go hungry in Jerusalem for lack of Passover food,
these matzah sandwiches were for sale across from the Central Bus station,
where “Happy Holiday of Freedom” signs and Israeli flags flew above.
I wrote the last post about the Aleh Jerusalem March
(make sure you haven’t missed it)
and the impressive young volunteers,
but these two children sharing a bag of potato chips were my favorite.
Those are a few favorite Passover leftovers, so that’s it…
until next year, when the buses again say,
” Kosher and Happy Passover.”
Like this:
Four Ways to Celebrate Passover
Millions of people visit nature sites in Israel over Passover.
Tens of thousands attend Birchat Kohanim, the Priestly Blessing
prayer service at the Kotel, the Western Wall, each year.
In Jerusalem’s Gan Sacher, Sacher Park,
thousands of people gather for picnic outings.
I want to share with you a special event
in Jerusalem at Aleh, a very special home and school
for children with special educational needs.
The weather was perfect
for the annual Aleh Jerusalem March as it left the school grounds.
Participating were many of the dedicated staff members and their families,
(full disclosure, my daughter-in-law is a teacher at Aleh
and we are very proud of her work)
dozens of young volunteers,
along with lots of balloons and a nurse on duty.
Streets were closed to traffic as the Aleh Jerusalem March moved
toward the new Gesher HaMeitarim, the Chord or String Bridge.
After waiting for everyone to arrive on the bridge,
hundreds of balloons were released over the city of Jerusalem.
Then everyone crossed the bridge
and the celebration continued with live music and dancing.
In a country where on chol hamoed traffic is heavy and people creep along,
this crowd was really moving.
I can share a few scenes of the tremendous care,
affection,
and attention given to the students who participated,
but for reasons of privacy I cannot share their radiant smiles.
This was an event short on publicity and politicians,
only MK Aryeh Eldar said a few words.
But it was big on love and full of holiday spirit.
A very happy Passover!
If you found an Aleh balloon…I would love to hear how far they flew.
Many more photos on The Real Jerusalem Streets Facebook page .
Like this:
9 Photos Jerusalem Prepares for Passover
Passover time in Jerusalem:
the purple flowers against the blue sky make a beautiful picture
and the aloe flowers are in full bloom.
The office supply store did not have the notebook I needed,
but had plenty of Passover food gift baskets.
The sushi store was closed for day to get ready to serve food on Passover.
Massive pots of boiling water
and blow torches to get rid of that last bit of bread or chametz
can be found on many streets.
Flowers for holiday table centerpieces are abundant,
as is matzah and more matzah.
Finally, to the many people
travelling for the holiday, welcome to Jerusalem
and where ever you are we hope it is a healthy and safe
Chag Kasher v’sameach!
Happy Passover!
Happy Easter to all our many Christian friends!
