current-events – Page 98 – The Real Jerusalem Streets

Stormy Weather in Jerusalem

January 7, 2013rjstreets

I thought you would never believe it, if you did not see it for yourself.

Finally, there is something that everyone in Jerusalem, Israel,

can agree on – this is really stormy weather

and trying to stay dry is most important today.

Often winter weather gets stormy and foggy,

with grey skies like these.

This kind of grey weather does not make for pretty photos,

though maybe interesting ones of trees were blowing sideways.

When the fog comes in,

the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Chord Bridge disappear from view.

Just before this wind storm and rain started,

I marveled at how beautiful the stars were last night in a perfectly clear sky.

I knew I would be sorry for not taking a photo of the planetarium overhead.

On a such stormy day like this,

it seems the Israeli flag over the Knesset is about the only thing looking good,

besides a nice hot drink.

Now as long as the power stays on…

and if it gets cold enough for snow…

everyone loves to see Jerusalem, Israel, covered in white,

and those photos will be much prettier than these.

The sun just came out for a few minutes,

but that does not mean the weather is clearing so fast.

Now it looks like the Crowne Plaza was Photoshopped out,

time to get a hot drink.

Signs of Israeli Election Fever

January 3, 2013rjstreets

Everyone has noticed by now that the world did not come to an end,

but the year 2012 has ended.

Living in Jerusalem, Israel, at this time of year is such a different experience.

Colorful lights and decorated trees are hard to find

and just do not compare to displays in other places we have lived.

After Hanukkah,

it was back to work while the rest of the world was on holiday.

This year we not only have work, but also an election season to keep us busy.

Surveys, polls and recorded phone messages are a constant headache.

There is no getting away from it on the streets,

where text messages are sent to cell phones

and campaign signs are posted illegally

and legally.

It seems that Tzippi Livni has an ad on the back of every bus.

Faces are posted on buildings

and signs line this foot bridge near government buildings.

Naftali Bennett’s popularity and “you have a home” campaign

may have been a surprise to some, but not to me.

I saw hundreds of people standing in long lines

waiting to vote for him in the party primaries a few weeks ago.

Look on the right at that pile of rolled up signs,

soon all of Israel will be filled with signs

The good thing for those sick of this election season,

is it has only 3 weeks left to go.

Yes, 2013 is starting with negative election campaign attacks,

but also there are new signs to welcome Taglit-Birthright participants.

For the 13th year, thousands of young people are visiting Israel,

it is great seeing so many visitors on the streets.

I hope everyone has a chance to see some of the beauty for themselves.

Winter flowers are a great antidote for the stress of election fever.

Post-Hanukkah Post

December 18, 2012rjstreets

Did you hear that loud noise yesterday?

No, it was not an explosion or a riot,

but loud sighs of relief that the Hanukkah holiday season is finally over.

Hanukkah may last 8 days with lots of candles in the rest of the world,

but in Jerusalem, Israel, it seems to go on forever.

First there are the trips to school performances for each child,

after which children have over a week of vacation,

while most parents still have to go work.

Then there is the challenge

of eating suffganiot

and keeping your face free of all that powdered sugar or chocolate on top.

It is truly a Hanukkah miracle to see how quickly those suffganiot disappear.

Once again this year, the consumption award goes to Elie Klein,

who ate 125 of these jelly donuts and raised $17,900 for 111 charities.

The open windows that displayed the Hanukkah lights

are now closed to keep out the winter cold.

Eight nights of Hanukkah were enough.

It is winter-time and so cold inside, but look as

flowers are popping up all around this week.

And believe it or not, I already heard people discussing Purim costumes!