The Jerusalem Marathon is coming.
Signs announcing the March 16th event seem to be everywhere.
For months now, the grounds near Gan Sacher, Sacher Park ,
both along the marathon route around the park
and in the park have been improved.
Roads leading into the park have new bollards installed.
While around the world “Occupy” tent cities have been emptied,
often by police on horseback in riot gear,
the tents near the main entrance of Gan Sacher
are still occupied.
In spite of a rainy and cold winter,
families live in the makeshift dwellings.
These young people may be on the ultimate social justice field trip,
wanting to interview people who have refused offers of temporary housing.
With thousands of people expected in Jerusalem for the marathon,
it is hard to imagine that this scene
and these structures will still be here next month
when the Second Jerusalem Marathon is run.
If you missed the marathon last year, be sure and see: