The contrast of the tragic and good fills Jerusalem’s streets

One day at a time. One step at a time.

The Real Jerusalem Streets was initiated years ago to convey the reality of life in Jerusalem, Israel, with photographs because the negative media was not sharing with the world what was really happening.

Finally, 30 days after the October 7 massacre when Hamas invaded southern Israel from Gaza, it was time to venture out again at night and see what was really happening on the Jerusalem streets

Near Jaffa Gate, at night the Tower of David was lit up and a large Israel flag was unfurled.

The over 200 faces of those kidnapped and held in Gaza were projected on the wall of the Old City.

Over 30 days, no visit by the International Red Cross, and the UN agencies still do not care about Israeli civilians held hostage, a war crime and humanitarian crisis they ignore.

There were not many people out, but the night was quiet, perhaps too quiet.

Jerusalem was slowly coming back to life, good to see a long-time souvenir shop was open.

People were out strolling on Jaffa Road again at night.

New Israel flags were visible, these were electronic and appeared with movement as in a video.

The sounds of music were not heard in the popular Music Square.

However, a new kosher dairy restaurant was preparing to open,

and so good again people were back to eating in outdoor cafes.

Amazing, Mamilla Mall was quiet at night, but still there was a line waiting to enter Cafe Rimon.

A few minutes away another meat restaurant served their customers.

Walking along Jaffa Road near Safra Square more blue and white, and a few girls sitting on a bench.

Bright colorful butterfly lights over Jerusalem streets

in contrast to the sad memorial lights being lit on the Jerusalem streets near Safra Square.

During the day, the Israel Museum was not open for visitors, only for a few scheduled classes.

But across the road, the Bible Lands Museum was open and displayed a big yellow ribbon.

While at Cinema City the lion was tied with a much smaller yellow ribbons.

Israeli blue and white flags lined the perimeter of the new National Library of Israel.

The grand public opening street parties have been put on hold for now.

However, it is open and people have been coming to sit and do work and research.

Israel at 75 now is certainly not how anyone would have imagined it during the Sukkot holiday.

But in Jerusalem, Muslim women still can walk freely on the Jerusalem streets.

Construction on the new government center is proceeding.

After years, the building can be seen at street level with workers doing complicated infrastructure.

Volunteers of all types and efforts have come out to support the soldiers. Here at The Base students are baking brownies for lone soldiers. The list grows of supporters for Hamal HaMatok. The Jerusalem Baking Battalion is part of the effort that sent home-baked challah and cakes to 3,800 soldiers last week.

This Jerusalem bake shop is open again with a “Bring Them Home Now” sign in the window.

The world ignores the plight of those kidnapped on October 7, of many nationalities, held in Gaza.

Meanwhile, life moves on in Jerusalem, however, slower and sadder.

We do not forget those hostages. The light projection on the Jewish Agency Building on King George Street ‘Bring them home’ is highlighted with their faces at night.

The terrible tragedy has brought good in the most unbelievable positive ways, as the names of new fallen soldiers are acknowledged. The Jerusalem streets are full of contrast. Will conclude this week, as in the short video projection –

Am Yisrael Chai.

Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem – We Are Still Here

In Jerusalem, and all of Israel this has been one horrible week and Israel’s National Security Council-Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a warning on Thursday – against the background of Operation Swords of Iron.

The Hamas leadership has called on all of its supporters around the world to hold a ‘Day of Rage’ on Friday, the 13th, to attack Israelis and Jews. When murderous Hamas makes statements in Arabic, listen carefully.

When one does not know what to do, focus on what you can do. It was time to bake brownies to keep the kids busy with no school. They were as good as they look, sorry the peanut butter ones are long gone.

Scenes of taking the little ones out for a walk, while one parent is at work or called up, or older siblings need to attend classes online, or just get out for some air and breathe are common on the Jerusalem streets.

Please remember, that volunteers are trying their best to fill in for thousands called up for duty or unable to get to work because of young children at home.

President Isaac Herzog invited international journalists to Beit Hanasi, the President’s Residence for a press conference on Thursday morning. It was also broadcast live.

The growing numbers he shared are staggering, and sadly are still going up daily. Remember this is in less than a week, even though it feels like forever and Israel is the size of New Jersey.

Not only Jewish Israelis were murdered or missing, and held captive by Hamas. A rocket from Gaza hit a mosque in the Jerusalem area, but that did not get much media attention.

The international media is worried about the Hamas housing in Gaza being destroyed. I will not share the vile videos gleaned from social media of the depraved terrorists posting their despicable slaughter of innocent humans, including babies. The clip of President Herzog losing his temper when repeatedly asked about Gaza has been posted on social media.

Simple. Hamas is evil. Israel must respond.

Rather this photo essay is to share what is happening on the Jerusalem streets after one week of war.

The flowers and fruits were ready for shoppers to prepare for Shabbat.

The electrical store had an extensive display of batteries to prepare for emergencies.

The toy store was open. People are looking for new ways to entertain children.

The toilet paper, paper towels, and diapers were fully stocked and on display.

These stores that were closed for the Sukkot holiday were being restocked.

On the street, people were taking advantage of the good weather and quiet for food and conversation.

Israeli flags are being displayed on buildings and popping up on cars.

I missed Zot Habracha last week being read on Simhat Torah. Our synagogue was closed before I arrived.

This week we start the cycle again with Beresheet, In the Beginning.

There is good and evil.

The world should now know the difference, we have seen – that Hamas is ISIS is Jihad is evil.

Best wishes for a Shabbat Shalom.

From the Jerusalem streets to around the world – We are still here!

Jerusalem New Signs for Rosh Hashana

Jerusalem New Signs for Rosh Hashana

It was hard not to get whiplash in Jerusalem, Israel, this past week.

The extremes of the good news and bad were so sharp it was hard to keep up.

While the 4.5 million Israelis who usually go overseas for their summer holidays had to stay home because of the pandemic situation, Israel’s nature spots were fully booked. Now a holiday lockdown is predicted as the number of COVID-19 infections rises.

Schools opened. Schools closed. Classes were on Zoom. Students were home.

Oh, and there was a heatwave, making going outside unpleasant!

Light clouds in Jerusalem sky over Israel Museum at sunset

The humidity rose in the evening making the nights unusually uncomfortable. But over the Jerusalem streets, clouds produced lovely and colorful sunsets like this one over the Israel Museum, partially illuminated in the center of the photo.

Fixing street light over Jerusalem streets

The demand for electricity caused random power outages. However, these Jerusalem street lights did not go off in the morning light and needed professional attention.

Mask with Baltimore Orioles Baseball team

An unusual sports excitement, Dean Kremer, the first Israeli ever drafted by a US Major League Baseball team made his major league debut for the Baltimore Orioles. He pitched a great game, and even though they beat the Yankees, Israeli Yankee fans were impressed enough to take to social media.

Trying to get back to some sort of normal with coronavirus has been difficult for theaters, cultural festivals and events. The Film & Conversation group in Baka/Katamon is planning to move outside Beit Yehudit at night on 13 September.

Theater outside in Jerusalem Israel due to COVID-19

Signs were up for performances in theater courtyards.

"There are stars outside" Hebrew sign for theater in corona restrictions

The ‘Stars Outside’ signs were up again, trying to get audience to attend.

Jerusalem signs in Hebrew

The Hansen House announced a designer’s event.

Hebrew sign announcing community elections in Jerusalem Israel

And a new sign for new Jerusalem local elections in November.

Rosh Hashana begins on Friday night.

COVID-19 limited sellhot in Jerusalem Safra Square

After Shabbat, the Ashkenazim joined the Sefardim in Selichot,  who have already been saying them for a month. Due to COVID-19 regulations, this year there was a special prayer service with special seating in Kikar Safra, the Jerusalem Municipal plaza.

Yitzhak Meir leading a musical selhot in Kikar Safra

The late-night musical Selihot were led by Yizhak Meir and broadcast on YouTube and Facebook. An announcement was made at the end that people should not crowd, but leave in ‘capsules’ and small groups.

Screen shot of protesters in Jerusalem

Meanwhile, not far away, at the same time, the anti-Bibi protesters were back for the 12th week.

Sign in Hebrew for a successful year

The new Jerusalem street signs for a successful New Year,

Prosperous and happy new year sign in Jerusalem Israel

and a year of happiness.

Pomegranates growing in Jerusalem, Israel park area

Pomegranates are another sign of Rosh Hashana. 

Jerusalem street sign for Good New Year

Apples and honey and success are yet another New Year sign.

Avera Mengistu, Hadar Goldin, Oron Shaul captive in Gaza by Hamas

Reports that Egyptians are now trying to get Hamas to release the bodies of Hadar Goldin, and Oron Shaul.  Avera Mengistu has been held captive in Gaza for six years.

It’s time to bring the boys home.

Selihot last year, over 1,000 people attended the Jerusalem Great Synagogue.

It has been closed since the spring and will remain closed for the High Holy Days this year.

Kotel for COIVD-19 selihot

The Kotel, Western Wall, usually crowded with tens of thousands for Selihot, had a limited crowd, divided into ‘capsules,’ and only filled up well after midnight.

What a year 5780 has been!

So there you have some of the ups and downs, good and bad, certainly different, of the past week

Coming in so strongly, the Hebrew year 5780 Jerusalem hit record numbers in tourism. It was then hit with a pandemic and closed borders to overseas tourists.

Now with prospects of normalization with Gulf neighbors, there should be euphoria. But new closures dampen holiday planning. No one really knows what will be for the next day, next week, next month, certainly not next year.

Hebrew sign for a year of good health

But as we begin 5781, wishing all a year of good health!

Hope to see you all again soon on the Jerusalem streets.