It’s that time of year again on the Jerusalem streets.
When the blazing sun and heat of summer arrive as a surprise.
The night before was cold enough to wear a warm jacket.
The green grasses of Jerusalem’s nature spots have turned dry to golden hues.
Last week, before the heat wave, a few noteworthy events were held.
The National Library of Israel (NLI) hosted an international conference on 20 years of Jewish History in journalism, beginning on Monday night in the large theater auditorium.
The National Library is usually a very busy place with people working and doing research. To get a photo like this was special because the library closed to the public at midday on Tuesday.
The chairs and posters of kidnapped Israelis were lined up neatly near the lower entrance.
President Herzog escorted German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on a tour of the new library, part of Germany and Israel celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations.
The tour started with a view from above the main reading research area.
A stop by the wall in the entrance lobby of the faces of the October 7 victims is projected on the wall.
Then the Presidents and their wives stopped to see various items on display. This Bünting cloverleaf map, also known as The World in a Cloverleaf, with Jerusalem in the center, was published in 1581 and has been reproduced many times over the millennia.
I was able to take multiple photos of various empty locations from new angles.
The tour was on the other side, receiving information from the NLI Director General, Oren Weinberg.
Up and then down the circular staircase of the library we went.
With a stop by the chairs, on the way out of the building.
Steinmeier was one of the first world leaders to arrive in Israel in October 2023.
Then the tour continued outside.
Finally, an explanation of the stones arranged in the garden by the artist. I have yet to be there when the sun casts good shadows for the letter shapes.
I hope they noticed the Knesset and flags in the background across the street from the NLI.
On the right side, the dark blue screen is a temporary security barrier. Security goes up and up over the years.
For previous German leaders’ visits to Jerusalem, it was possible to get into Beit Hanasi.
Not only into the President’s Residence, but also outside in the garden to see the Presidential tree.
This time, Steinmeier got a Presidential medal, but the event was closed to the press.
The international visitors for the digital journalism and other attendees were able to follow through on their 3-day conference at the NLI on Tuesday.
It concluded on Wednesday with the only session in English with international speakers.
May 14, 1948, was the date of the Israeli Declaration of Independence. Three years ago, Elana Heideman of IsraelForever Foundation began promoting Declaration Day to reaffirm Israel’s independence.
Each year has gotten bigger and better; it was held this past week at the David Citadel in Jerusalem, Israel.
A full reproduction of the New York Times from May 15, 1948, was on the table. Notice the headline –
“ZIONISTS PROCLAIM NEW STATE OF ISRAEL; TRUMAN RECOGNIZES IT AND HOPES FOR PEACE;
TEL AVIV IS BOMBED, EGYPT ORDERS INVASION” – still hoping for peace.
The next day was Lag B’Omer, with major Jerusalem bonfire spots ready for all-night fires with friends.
Jerusalem is not the main focus for this holiday, but Meron is, where the Boyaner Rebbe lit the fire.
This year, I was happy to watch online and not go out searching for new fires.
Good news – there were no reports of major fire damage this year.
The posters of lost young faces line the streets – one calling for victory as flags blow in the wind above.
Flags on cars and hanging off balconies, Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, is on May 26, 2025.
Flag and more flags… This year in Jerusalem!
