Gan Sacher – Page 9 – The Real Jerusalem Streets

After Israeli Independence Day Celebrations

May 15, 2016rjstreets

Celebrations for Yom Haatzmaut,

Israel Independence Day,

have come to an end for this year.

There were lots of ceremonies, and the Bible Quiz on TV,

and flags flying above the streets and on buildings,

and little Israeli flags clipped on to cars.

As usual, Gan Sacher,

Sacher Park, was the scene of hundreds of family picnics.

People brought chairs and tables and bags of food,

and even mattresses for comfort.

But this couch was a first.

There were smiles from strangers and tents.

Smoke from grills and the sounds of karaoke filled the air.

During the afternoon planes of all sizes

appeared in formation

in the blue skies

and thrilled the crowds below.

Beautiful children with flags and balloons

enjoyed the celebrations.

A group of lone soldiers enjoyed some serious ribs,

grills were fired up all day to feed the hundreds that came.

Tens of thousands celebrated in Gan Sacher,

including one special group of girls,

Bnot Sherut, girls from overseas who are spending

their “gap year” volunteering in Israel.

The media missed their dance performance, but they did find this family

who were happy to share their opinions

of what a beautiful day it was,

concluding with a rousing,

“AM YISRAEL CHAI.”

No it is not snow, even if it’s called “sheleg,”

it’s the dreadful white shaving cream stuff,

this couple found some tinted pink

and had a great time spraying it all around.

I was happy to see less of that messy stuff this year.

And security?

Policewomen were seen checking out the food.

That was all on Thursday, now on Sunday,

I hope this heat wave is over quickly.

The heat and humidity keep me off the streets

and inside with the air conditioner running.

With the holidays over,

it is time for more festivals,.

Education starts tomorrow with an event at the Israel Museum,

and the Jerusalem Light Festival in the Old City

which begins next week, plus

an International Writers’ Festival and Lag B’Omer—

all will be happening in Jerusalem, Israel.

Best of Jerusalem Marathon 2016

March 22, 2016rjstreets

The sixth International Jerusalem Marathon was run on Friday morning.

The loudspeakers from the starting line near the Knesset

made for an early morning wake-up in Jerusalem, Israel.

As the 2600 full marathon runners raced by,

one man waved,

some were already feeling the inclines,

and others not yet.

International and varied participants ran

along with Batman and Superman.

As every year, entertainers were at the starting line

wearing the colors of the runners’ countries and cheering.

Again the finish line for the full marathon was in

Gan Sacher, Sacher Park, with hundreds lined up to watch.

But there were other races, a half marathon, 10k and more.

30,000 people were entered in the races

and many more times that number supported the runners.

In the park loud music blasted,

racers drummed,

or just fooled around.

The day started out cool and cloudy,

but the sun came out and the weather warmed up.

The marathon is so much more pleasant without rain.

The mud holes were appreciated by at least one young man,

but they were nothing compared to the first marathon.

The three winners of the men’s full marathon came from Kenya

and as usual were interviewed by press.

Their times were amazing when you consider the Jerusalem terrain

with its physically challenging hills.

However,

the participants of the shorter races were also impressive,

as for some this event is a chance to get up and out,

and show their abilities, not their disabilities.

Large sums were raised for dozens of good causes,

by organizations and supporters of all ages,

and the international goodwill – priceless.

Coming into the park after their shorter races were 27,000 runners.

Congratulations

and smiles,

runners in larger groups,

or smaller ones,

or going to the finish line alone,

filled the Jerusalem streets.

As I was finally heading home,

the 10k walkers were nearing the finish line,

very proud of their accomplishment.

But, my favorite from this marathon,

with 30,000 runners from all over the world,

was Bruno, from Brazil, the Tourist of the Week.

Bruno not only smiled and slowed to wave during the race,

but later shared that he and Adriana got engaged

at the Kotel, the Western Wall, before Shabbat.

Mazel tov to Adriana and Bruno,

and to all those who made this year’s event special,

bigger and better, even if it is exhausting.

For all those upset with street closings who stayed home,

sorry.

Here are links to more photos,

see what you missed:

Facebook photos Marathon 2016

Finish line 2016

Finally, take the time to compare:

Jerusalem Marathon 2014

Jerusalem Marathon 2013

I have seen them all and the half marathon before.

I think it is great so many of thousands also now appreciate,

the real Jerusalem streets.

Beer Sheva: Old and New City

July 15, 2015rjstreets

So much in Jerusalem, Israel, is old and new.

We used to joke that a good friend is defined as

someone who leaves Jerusalem to visit you in Beer Sheva.

With family in Beer Sheva, over the years,

we have visited the desert city many times.

I used to say the only place that was green was this cemetery.

The Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery,

or the ANZAC cemetery, as most of the British soldiers

buried here were Australian and New Zealanders,

who fell in the World War I battles against the Turks,

ending the domination of the Ottoman Empire.

But things are changing,

Carasso Science Park opened in 2013,

and is the largest science park in Israel.

Remembering the British,

is Allenby Garden.

The park was established in early 1900s by the Turks,

After WWI, it became a memorial to General Edmund Allenby,

was destroyed during the Arab uprising in 1929,

and was finally rebuilt in 2014.

One day when it is not so hot,

it would be interesting to follow the ANZAC trail.

Across the road is the Negev Museum of Art,

the main art museum in southern Israel,

housed in what was the 20th century Governor’s house.

The current exhibit is called,

“Pulp and Fiction”

where all pieces are made out of paper.

“Lost Forest” by Jan Fairbairn-Edwards of France

and “The Burmese Story” by Naama Aaronson of Israel

are just two of the works.

Who knew that paper art was started 35 years ago

at the Beer Sheva Station of the old Turkish railway?

More of the old city and new

in the same area is the one mosque,

built by the Turks.

It went unused as a mosque for decades,

and was the city’s Archaeological Museum.

Since 2011, it has been home to the

Museum of Islamic and Near Eastern Cultures.

Ancient stones with Thuluth, Arabic and Kufic script

are in the courtyard.

Inside the restored mosque,

is the current exhibit of old prayer rugs,

with new glass lamps decorated in Arabic hanging above them.

A Turkish flag flies at the Train Yard Compound

which was restored and opened in 2014.

Bedouins are still around.

Going into and out of Beer Sheva

one can see the old and new,

with the new train track over the old Turkish one.

But it is at Be’er Avraham,

Abraham’s Well,

located near the Beer Sheva River,

that one can really appreciate the old and new.

An international visitor center,

showcasing the life of Avraham Avinu,

in a 3D presentation, opened in 2013.

In old days, to get to Beer Sheva,

it seemed it took as long as a camel trip,

standing on those Egged buses

on hot Friday afternoons.

With the new modern highways going to Beer Sheva,

it is not like it used to be,

see the Old City and new neighborhoods.

but we will have to find another way to define good friends.