current-events – Page 102 – The Real Jerusalem Streets

Houses From Within

October 13, 2010rjstreets

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Houses from Within was not just open houses in Jerusalem,

but the event also opened gates that are usually closed to the public.

One of the most popular of dozens of free tours was at the Hansen Hospital,

located on Marcus Street.

In the large, walled compound is a two-story structure built

by the Protestant community in 1887.

It became known as The Leper’s Home

and was an asylum for up to 60 leprosy patients.

The once ‘luxury’ structure, it was built with a bridge

so patients could easily reach the toilets,

outhouses located on the right side of the main building.

The grounds had gardens and enough livestock to be self sufficient.

One interior room is now on display.

While patients were always free to come and go,

the last patient left in 2000; the gates were sealed during the intifada.

Not far away in the German Colony,

the Houses from Within event included

#41 Emek Refaim Street, the Alliance Church International Cemetery.

Thousands of people walk by each day,

but most have never seen the mural inside.

Next to it, is the Templer Cemetery which was established in 1878.

Located in one of the most popular parts of Jerusalem,

the vast size and beauty of these three hidden properties often goes unseen.

But, there is one spot in Jerusalem that has become an international

‘must-be-seen’ venue.

Visitors are now bringing their own film crews to record their visits

within the Shalit family tent.

Hamas has refused to deliver a letter to Gilad Shalit

through the International Red Cross.

With all that was going on this week,

there was one issue that united evreyone in Jerusalem,

it was not security, but

the price of tomatoes!

From within every home, there was disbelief …

tomatoes cost more than chicken!

‘Jerusalem Knights’ First Night

October 10, 2010rjstreets

Who could imagine that the Crusades could be so much fun?

Actors and musicians were dressed in medieval costumes.

The weather was perfect Thursday evening, October 7 in the Old City.

People had gathered in the plaza near Jaffa Gate, the unimaginable happened–

the Jerusalem Knights program started ten minutes early.

A map of 21 street performances in the Christian Quarter

was projected on a large screen near Jaffa Gate.

Visitors received a paper copy of the map with explanations in Hebrew and English.

The first performance, the Royal Reception, took place outside the walls

and just inside the walls, The Leper, was a scary sight.

The Greek Muse, hard to believe she was a real person.

It was hard to see the Fire Knight with such a large crowd around him.

The Wishing Fountain was easy to photograph, as like the Muse, she did not move.

In the Slave Market, even the slaves seemed to be having a good time.

Musicians performed in many locations along the route.

While some of the market was open,

near the end of the route, most of the shops were closed,

providing a perfect setting for peddlers

beggars,

and be careful.. more peddlers and beggars.

At the end, Muristan Square was filled with color and dancers.

Jerusalem Knights was held October 7, 14, 21 & 28.

The Jerusalem Development Authority, along with a list of other groups,

is sponsoring the performances; there is no charge.

It takes about an hour to walk the route.

It is not good for the handicapped or baby strollers.

Jerusalem: Green Light Don’t Go

August 16, 2010August 8, 2018rjstreets

The Jerusalem streets can be very dangerous.

Many are too narrow for modern vehicles

and sidewalks are often blocked

forcing people to walk in the street in traffic.

The traffic lights in the center of town often come in pairs,

many times the closer light can be red, while the further one is green.

Those unfamiliar with this system often unwittingly step in the cross walk

in front of oncoming traffic.

While some intersections are extremely complicated,

the corner of Shalom Aleichem and Keren Hayesod Streets

is especially dangerous.

The red light visible from most angles

is really green.

Much more dangerous though,

the green light is really red.

While this traffic light was always hard to see behind the street sign,

now the large advertising sign blocks the line of vision,

making it almost impossible to see the traffic light.

Thousands of visitors walk from Gan Hapa’amon, Liberty Bell Park area

on Keren Hayesod Street towards town,

this is a tragedy waiting to happen.

Many tourists eager to get into town look across the street,

see a green light and continue walking.

This recent sign says it all:

“Be Careful on the Roads-It’s a Matter of Life”

and hopefully, not death… or injury.