The Real Jerusalem Streets – Page 420 – Jerusalem, Israel

New IDF Soldiers

January 12, 2011rjstreets

With the start of 2011, the frequency of

kassams, missiles and kaytushas coming from Gaza is increasing;

ten fell in the first week of the new year, with more each day.

There have been injuries and one Israeli soldier was killed.

As many Israelis do not visit Jerusalem,

after induction into the army new recruits are brought to the Old City

and to the Kotel, the Western Wall

which has been so important to the Jewish people for centuries.

For some, it is a time to pray;

for others, a time to write a note.

They learn about their history,

visit the sites,

Hundreds of young women,

armed with a rifle,

or at rest

are proud to be Israeli soldiers.

Recently three women completed their pilot training

and were qualified as pilots in the Air Force.

It was announced that religious women with children are to be drafted.

From now on, it will be even harder to stereotype the new IDF soldier.

Real Danger

January 5, 2011rjstreets

A young woman lies in a medically induced coma following surgery.

Last week she was injured by a speeding car, hit and thrown so hard her aorta was ruptured.

She is not a famous professor, so as long as she lives… it is not ‘news’.

Driving in Jerusalem

is not easy.

Car accidents are daily occurrences, drivers trading information at a “fender bender” is a common sight.

Even in well-marked cross walks, danger lurks every time one tries to cross a street,

many cars do not stop for pedestrians.

This driver sped through too fast to take a good photograph.

The traffic situation in Jerusalem is a serious problem.

Student crossing guards are on duty during the time children come and go from school.

The sign at this corner had to be replaced, as it was hit so many times.

Illegal parking often creates an obstacle for pedestrians.

The speed limit is posted on Chaim Hazaz Boulevard, but when traffic is light

many cars slow down only after they see their excessive speeds displayed.

These new bollards are already smashed–it takes a lot of force to cause this much damage.

And soon the traffic situation in the city center is going to get much worse.

Many bus routes go through the city center on Jaffa Street.

For trial runs of the the light rail system, Jaffa Street is to be closed to bus traffic.

Those large buses and thousands of passengers will be diverted to adjacent streets,

such as Hanevim Street, recently the scene of a deadly accident.

As the UN Global Plan for Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 begins,

we could benefit from improved road safety.

Meanwhile, it seems all we can do is be careful out there

and pray for Royza Mindel Bas Rochel

who met with the real danger of the Jerusalem streets.

Jerusalem: Signs of Progress

December 29, 2010December 17, 2018rjstreets

Progress…The Jerusalem light rail system now has power for the entire length of its track.

It’s much easier to cross the intersection of Jaffa and Strauss Streets in the center of town.

A short walk from that intersection is the Bikur Cholim Hospital,

which has provided medical care in Jerusalem for over 140 years.

The privately owned buildings are threatened with closure.

There is a serious shortage of hospital beds and neonatal units in Jerusalem, 6000 babies are born here every year; where will the mothers go?

Bikur Cholim Hospital was critical in saving many lives when suicide bombers targeted the city center, now 30 million shekel is needed to keep the hospital running.

Signs to rally residents’ support are plastered along the street.

Doctors and staff who are faced with losing their jobs and pensions have recently organized protests.

Knesset Member Ahmed Tibi, who trained as a obstetrician, did part of his residency at Bikur Cholim, publicly supports keeping it open, as do many residents and patients.

There will be a four-hour strike, and non-essential personnel will be on the streets in a protest.