Jerusalem, Israel – what is really happening
I really wish there was more time this week.
Funny, I say that every year the week before Passover.
However, spending hours doing photos of President Barak Obama
did not help me get ready for the holiday.
So instead of doing a masterful and timely blog
on THE presidential speech from Jerusalem, Israel.
I will share one photo that sums up the week for most people:
US flags waving, people walking, and roses blooming.
Happy Holiday of spring from Jerusalem!
Today US President Barak Obama is to arrive in Jerusalem, Israel
on Marine One, a special US presidential helicopter.
Yesterday,
Spokesman Mark Regev spoke to foreign journalists and answered questions
at the Begin Center where a special press center has been set up for them.
But the real activity was out on the Jerusalem streets.
Workmen were busy painting the gates at Beit Hanasi,
the Israeli President’s residence.
Flags and barriers were set up outside,
and tents and more security barriers extend down the street.
Nearby flower beds were groomed and the fences white-washed,
but I wonder if they will do something about that mailbox?
Even new street crossing signs were installed along the route.
Traffic to Old City was backed up already;
people were out early since so many streets will be closed during the visit.
Flags and barriers were ready to make everything perfect for Obama.
Oops, how did this one red plant get there?
Near the King David Hotel more tents and barriers were ready,
as the entire hotel is reserved for presidential use.
These white barriers are new-they were not there for GW Bush visits.
There should be no line of vision once Obama arrives.
Certainly no taxis will be allowed in front of the King David Hotel and
these barriers will keep everyone far away from King David Street.
Oh and of course,
there are more barriers near the Prime Minister’s residence.
People in these neighborhoods will have to walk home if they can,
since many streets will be closed to pedestrians,
and the #13 bus will not be able to make its regular route.
As residents of Jerusalem complain about the inconvenience,
companies who rent security barriers have reason to celebrate.
This sign is posted in front of the American Center on
Keren Hayesod Street which sums it up with
the Hebrew caption coming from Obama’ s mouth that reads
“Here I Come.”
Today is the day,
ready or not Jerusalem, for
#ObamaInIsrael.
It felt like spring last week,
at times it even got hot enough to dry clothes.
Passover is a only week away.
There will be extra sanitation service
and special bins for burning Chometz will be out.
Every last bit of bread will go up in smoke,
so that the windows will have to be closed.
But first,
everything from large plasma TVs and refrigerators are on sale,
and as usual, all kinds of housewares can be found on the streets.
Dates, nuts and other holiday foods are everywhere.
Now is the time to get married before the holidays,
although not everyone seemed so excited at this outdoor chuppah.
The Mea Shearim (100 Gates) neighborhood was always on
our ‘must do shopping list’ when we came as tourists,
so I decided to go to see what was new for Passover this year.
The area which used to have beautiful art work for sale,
now is big on photographs of rabbis,
some very big ones indeed.
As always there were pashkvilim, the red one announced a big fair.
This man’s job is to put up the new announcements,
impressive how quickly he works.
The ultra-orthodox community is not too pleased with the
proposed changes in the laws on army service and it showed.
Which is worse for this generation: Yair Lapid or an iPhone?
Everything from new bikes
to a coat of fabric looking like a piece of matzah,
and new designs of matzah covers were out on the street.
This is the busiest season for retailers.
Thousands of visitors arrive annually during the week before Passover.
Jerusalem streets are packed with rental cars and tourist buses.
But this year President Obama has decided to pay a visit to Israel.
Many streets will be blocked.
Hundreds of cars will not be allowed to park in their usual spots.
US flags are ready and flying along the Presidential route.
This year, the week before Passover should be like no other.
#ObamainIsrael