One day at a time. One step at a time.
The Real Jerusalem Streets was initiated years ago to convey the reality of life in Jerusalem, Israel, with photographs because the negative media was not sharing with the world what was really happening.
Finally, 30 days after the October 7 massacre when Hamas invaded southern Israel from Gaza, it was time to venture out again at night and see what was really happening on the Jerusalem streets
Near Jaffa Gate, at night the Tower of David was lit up and a large Israel flag was unfurled.
The over 200 faces of those kidnapped and held in Gaza were projected on the wall of the Old City.
Over 30 days, no visit by the International Red Cross, and the UN agencies still do not care about Israeli civilians held hostage, a war crime and humanitarian crisis they ignore.
There were not many people out, but the night was quiet, perhaps too quiet.
Jerusalem was slowly coming back to life, good to see a long-time souvenir shop was open.
People were out strolling on Jaffa Road again at night.
New Israel flags were visible, these were electronic and appeared with movement as in a video.
The sounds of music were not heard in the popular Music Square.
However, a new kosher dairy restaurant was preparing to open,
and so good again people were back to eating in outdoor cafes.
Amazing, Mamilla Mall was quiet at night, but still there was a line waiting to enter Cafe Rimon.
A few minutes away another meat restaurant served their customers.
Walking along Jaffa Road near Safra Square more blue and white, and a few girls sitting on a bench.
Bright colorful butterfly lights over Jerusalem streets
in contrast to the sad memorial lights being lit on the Jerusalem streets near Safra Square.
During the day, the Israel Museum was not open for visitors, only for a few scheduled classes.
But across the road, the Bible Lands Museum was open and displayed a big yellow ribbon.
While at Cinema City the lion was tied with a much smaller yellow ribbons.
Israeli blue and white flags lined the perimeter of the new National Library of Israel.
The grand public opening street parties have been put on hold for now.
However, it is open and people have been coming to sit and do work and research.
Israel at 75 now is certainly not how anyone would have imagined it during the Sukkot holiday.
But in Jerusalem, Muslim women still can walk freely on the Jerusalem streets.
Construction on the new government center is proceeding.
After years, the building can be seen at street level with workers doing complicated infrastructure.
Volunteers of all types and efforts have come out to support the soldiers. Here at The Base students are baking brownies for lone soldiers. The list grows of supporters for Hamal HaMatok. The Jerusalem Baking Battalion is part of the effort that sent home-baked challah and cakes to 3,800 soldiers last week.
This Jerusalem bake shop is open again with a “Bring Them Home Now” sign in the window.
The world ignores the plight of those kidnapped on October 7, of many nationalities, held in Gaza.
Meanwhile, life moves on in Jerusalem, however, slower and sadder.
We do not forget those hostages. The light projection on the Jewish Agency Building on King George Street ‘Bring them home’ is highlighted with their faces at night.
The terrible tragedy has brought good in the most unbelievable positive ways, as the names of new fallen soldiers are acknowledged. The Jerusalem streets are full of contrast. Will conclude this week, as in the short video projection –
Am Yisrael Chai.
