current-events – The Real Jerusalem Streets

Jerusalem as the New Year 2026 Begins

January 4, 2026January 4, 2026Sharon A

Somaliland. Who knew where it was in 2025?

How many people had to look it up when hearing Israel had recognized it as a state?

Even in this fast news cycle world, this one was a winner of what’s next.

Over Shabbat, Venezuela became the latest topic on both the social and mainstream media.

The Prime Minister was in the US, and for a change, the streets of Jerusalem were quieter.

There was a full moon over the Jerusalem streets that was visible before dark.

Several days of hard rain kept me off the streets. But even with the sun shining, the cold wind keeps the usual cafe crowd away.

Tuesday was a fast day. But the days of fasting seem to go more slowly, not faster.

The tenth of Tevet is remembered as when Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, began his attack to destroy Jerusalem.

At Jewish weddings, the destruction of Jerusalem is remembered by the breaking of a glass.

There have been many weddings each night despite the winter weather in Jerusalem.

My week began with a wedding, a time of joy and promise for the future. Doubly blessed, I did not need my umbrella.

As the young couple came together, so did the family and friends, bringing together people from the corners of the earth.

Besides Somaliland and Venezuela, Iran has been an important topic on the Jerusalem streets.

Over the years, many Israelis left their homeland in Iran for safety in Israel.

At Yad Vashem for Yom Hashoah in 2023, the arrival of Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s former leader, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, aroused media attention. Here he posed with MK Gila Gamliel, who was Minister of Intelligence at the time.

Reuven Rivlin rose from his seat in the front row to greet Pahlavi. The former Israeli president, who had met the Shah, commented on how much he looked like his father.

The protests in Iran reminded me of the Sign from Iran exhibition. It was a show of 60 Iranian posters by 27 of Iran’s leading graphic artists held at the Museum for Islamic Art in Jerusalem in 2016.

One was the poster shown here, titled “Test of Democracy,” by Behrad Javanbakht.

Also, one of the red images here is “Sara’s Paradise” by Mandana Moghaddam. Red, symbolic of blood, we were told.

Watching the news unfold, never knowing what’s next, and planning for the future, new signs for open houses for prospective first graders.

It may have been a quiet week on the streets, but the good news is that visitors are returning for their vacations.

May 2026 be a good and healthy year for all.

A big day for diplomacy, but a slow day for the Jerusalem streets

December 7, 2025December 7, 2025Sharon A

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is in Jerusalem on his first visit to Israel as Chancellor of Germany.

Across Israel, on December 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was marked with conferences, accessibility campaigns, and some Jerusalem public buildings lit in purple.

The Tower of David, including the walls, was lit purple at night.

I was disappointed that Beit Hanasi was not purple like last year as I walked by on my way home from a special event at the Friends of Zion Museum (FoZ).

Every event at FoZ has been a unique experience. I never know what to expect.

However, the music was often provided by The Solomon Brothers. They opened the VIP event of the Ambassador Summit 2025. One thousand pastors and influencers came to Israel for a week-long special mission under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mike Evans’ FoZ

President Isaac Herzog received a warm welcome upon arriving in the FoZ Media Center.

The Israeli President was the opening speaker, welcoming the leaders of the 1000-strong Ambassador Summit 2025. “In the city of faith, it means so much,” he told them in his remarks.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee spoke brilliantly to the mission initiated by Dr. Mike Evans, a Christian leader and influencer, in cooperation with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ambassador Huckabee emphasized the importance of the friendship between Israel and the United States and the moral responsibility of the evangelical community to stand with Israel in its time of crisis.

“Come and see it for yourselves…my opinions don’t matter…land of Israel dry bones come to life, I have seen it in my own life…God keeps every promise he makes to us, even when we do not keep the promises we make to Him…faith… I’m giving you a place – Israel – a people, a place, and purpose… Without the Jewish faith, there would be no Christian faith.”

Immediately after the Ambassador spoke, the President left for his next scheduled appearance.

Well, after the official photo of the five leaders together. I stayed upstairs for a better, less crowded view.

Their buses traveled around Israel this week to see the truth for themselves and go back to share with their communities. Amb. Huckabee told them to come back and to bring a group with them.

On a pleasant day, there was time to take a walk and see the stalls along the Old Train Track.

With access to the businesses along Emek Refaim Street almost impossible to access because of light rail construction, they were put up as alternative venues to buy food.

The First Station has a new bike path, but much is also closed off because of construction.

Most everywhere in Jerusalem, if you dig down, you will find something. Archaeologists are examining the site before the new light rail station construction proceeds.

The Tuesday farmers’ market at First Station has had fresh produce for the past two years.

However, these stalls were without merchandise or sellers.

It was sad to take a photo with more cats than people on a nice afternoon.

Hopefully, the tourists will return soon as we enter the holiday season.

The Jerusalem Hanukkah lights above the streets were turned on.

One store window was ready for the holiday early.

Things are slowly returning to normal on the Jerusalem streets, despite all the construction and war.

However, there are still thousands of reserve soldiers on duty protecting our borders.

And still, one Israeli, Ran Gvili, a policeman murdered on October 7, is held hostage in Gaza.

Remember, ALL the hostages were to be returned in the first phase of the Trump 20-point ceasefire deal, before going on to the second phase.

Hopefully, the 1,000 members of the Ambassador Mission will go home and spread the truth of what’s really happening on the Jerusalem streets and all over Israel.

Hope to see you soon on the Jerusalem streets.

Jerusalem Day and Night – See What’s New

March 23, 2025March 23, 2025Sharon 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!