Summer in Jerusalem, Israel.
The summer sun beats down over the Jerusalem streets during the day.
As afternoon wears on, I finally venture out to see what’s happening.
On Sunday, July 16, Binyunei Hauma, the Jerusalem International Conference Center, hosted two events.
The Hebrew date was ג’ אלול, the third day of Elul, the yahrzeit of Rav Kook, and a major commemorative event was held in the main halls, with a giant banner on the front of the building.
The Likud primary election was in the smaller area, beginning outside.
Upstairs, the media was posted to see voters and Likud politicians.
Those waiting to vote entered the room from there.
I did not go to vote.
I went to see how it was different than the last one held four years ago.
Zeev Elkin’s children were wearing campaign T-shirts. I thought it might be cute to get two of them together.
But I was busy eating a popsicle, dripping in my hand, and missed the shot.
The first time one was offered, I had refused, but it was hard to pass up when it was offered again.
Then, Amichai Chikli came in with the pink ice in his hand.
The area was filled with campaign ads plastered on a van,
and even on a fan.
The evening was not so warm to need the fan.
So comparison? Smaller than last time, and I knew fewer people.
But it’s Jerusalem, Israel; there was a protest outside the entrance to the Likud Primary.
Demonstrating for Haymanut Kasau, the young Ethiopian-Israeli girl who disappeared in Safed on February 25, 2024, and has not been found.
Meanwhile, people kept arriving at the main entrance for the Rav Kook programming.
If nothing else, from there, the view of the Chord Bridge as the sun sets is worth the trip.
It was another week of highs and lows, too-hot days, and busy nights.
A bit of this summer in Jerusalem.
The pomegranates are ripening on the tree outside the window.
Summer sunny days are getting shorter.
The seasons are changing.
Elul – time to share wishes for a good New Year.
