It’s that time of year Israelis have been talking about for weeks, some even for months.
It’s “achrei hachagim” – after the holidays.
The holiday meal planning takes a break until Hanukkah.
The nights in Jerusalem are cooler.
The autumn sunsets are colorful wonders of nature.
On the Jerusalem streets, the Sukkot palm branches are out to be collected.
This year, adding to the busy conference and event season, the Israeli elections are scheduled for October 27.
October 4
A full house attended the Israel365 News Conference – Knesset Elections Town Hall at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center.
Rabbi Pesach Wolicki, Editorial Director and Senior Political Analyst for Israel 365 News, moderated the event.
Two panels of English-speaking candidates for the 26th Knesset represented their parties.
Each of the ten spoke passionately for their varied positions.
Were they able to influence the audience to change their minds and vote for them?
I think many voters are still having a hard time deciding. I know I am. More photos HERE
One thing for certain: don’t take walking or driving on Jerusalem streets for granted.
Changes seem to happen overnight. Get to a corner you know, and where to go?
October 7
Ceremonies started on Monday, with major events held north and south.
Sharing memories RJS –100 Days from Jerusalem to the South and North.
October 8
On Thursday, a special event at Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s Residence, honored FlyDubai’s flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv heroes.
President Issac Herzog honored six Israeli heroes who saved the flight from catastrophe.
The honorees and their wives, seated in the front row, rose as the President and his wife Michal entered.
One of dozens of hugs at that feel-good event was the President with Asaf Rajuan.
Justice Elyakim Rubinstein, chairman of the award advisory board, said “mazel tov.”
Matan Hasan provided the musical entertainment.
Or Bardilov was the sixth awardee who helped to stop the Omani co-pilot from crashing the plane into Ben Gurion Airport.
The dentist Dr. Shota Musayev has become well known for helping the injured captain stop bleeding.
The couple Tali Manes and Zvika Manes received the award together.
Their daughter, who was in the right place at the right time, received special attention.
And of course, Yaniv Hayoun, the plumber from Ness Ziona, became a celebrity overnight for his actions in the cockpit.
I don’t remember so much media, so many photographers present for recent events.
Not everyone with a camera phone was a pro. This over six-foot-tall guy was often in my way.
Camera. Selfies. Smiles and hugs galore. More photos HERE
President Isaac Herzog mentioned Indian Captain Smit Machchhar, expressing the deep gratitude of the State of Israel for his exceptional courage and determination in steering the flydubai aircraft to safety and averting catastrophe for the 174 passengers.
When Smit is well enough to come to Jerusalem, he is also to receive the Presidential Civilian Hero Award.
Three years since October 7, where are we today?
That was the theme of the Michael Levin Base Gala, which was held that night at the Jerusalem Theater.
Former IDF spokesperson Jonathan Cornicus was a featured speaker.
The first panel was with Tila Falic Levi, Yaakov Katz, and Joseph Cohen.
The second panel, led by Michael Dickson, was with Diane Neal, Fleur Hassan Nahoum, Adir Schwartz, and Nitza Darshani-Leitner.
Richard Corman was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award.
There were more speakers, special mentions, and awards.
But I want to highlight Panama’s Ambassador Ezra Cohen and his wife. They attend so many events, always with a smile and a positive message.
I told him I had seen him in the livestream from the Davidson Center in the Old City the night before.
The Eagles Wings and Ambassador Program, with over 1,200 Christian leaders, community leaders, and influencers from over 115 countries, participated in the Friends of Zion Ambassador Summit. Their buses were on the Jerusalem streets and toured north and south.
Oh, these Jerusalem streets. Can you imagine King George Street being closed?
The old and new coming together in Jerusalem: the old #1 police station and new light rail on Jaffa Street.
I took time to walk to Beit Hanasi.
I stopped and admired these flowers on the way.
With multiple conferences all week, it was impossible to be everywhere. Here was only a brief taste of what was happening.
This coming week, there are more conferences and events at the same time.
It’s after the chagim!
Things are happening on the Jerusalem streets.