In Jerusalem, February got off to a Busy Start

What a week, this was an unusual week!

The weather went from sunny and spring-like to cold, wet, and rainy. Here are a few highlights for you of what happened on the Jerusalem streets as January ended and February began.

Monday

Monday at the Knesset there were clouds gathering – weather-wise.

Inside the Negev Meeting Room, a meeting was held to discuss the hot issue of the government report on antisemitism that was released to the public.

Convened by the Israeli Minister for Diaspora Affairs and Social Equality Amichai Chikli, the meeting included leaders of organizations involved in the field and personalities active in social media.

Various Members of Knesset arrived, spoke, and left. It was a busy day with meetings throughout the building. I liked seeing one tour for individuals in wheelchairs and another for young mothers with babies in strollers.

The bottom line, antisemitic attacks have increased.

Outside the Knesset orange tulips were open in the sunlight in Jerusalem.

But at night the rain began as we attended a wedding in Beit Shemesh.

Tuesday

The Montefiore Windmill was lit at night on my way to Yemin Moshe.

An interesting evening in Mishkenot Sha’ananim hosted by the Jerusalem Press Club was in memory of Yossi Nesher z”l. An Israel radio Arabic-language broadcaster, he spoke to the new immigrants from Arabic-speaking countries in a language they could understand.

Glad I took an umbrella. I walked home in the rain, pouring rain.

My boots were finally dry enough to wear again by Friday afternoon.

With the rain pouring down, it was a good time to stay home and zoom.

Wednesday

A CAMERA webinar highlighted a serious issue in US public education.

Ethnic study activists are promoting courses that are anti-Israel and support BDS, through Teacher Development training, community groups, and classroom materials. With no standards and no transparency, political activism is getting into schools. Too many are unaware that these courses vilify Jews and are meant to turn children against Israel.

Thursday

On Groundhog Day 2023 – Punxsutawney Phil predicted 6 more weeks of winter in the US, but in Jerusalem, Israel we had a little sunshine.

Here’s a view from a sixth-floor window at Hadassah Hospital on Mt Scopus in the late afternoon.

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How sad to see the memorials inside of Eli and Natali Mizrahi z”l, who were murdered in Neveh Yakov by a terrorist the week before. She had worked at the hospital.

Friday

On Friday I noticed this sign near the exit to the “Founders whose great generosity has made them Partners of Hadassah in Mount Scopus reborn.” Remember this Jewish hospital was not accessible from 1947-1967.

And sitting near the sign was an elderly Arab man in a Yad Sarah wheelchair. Oh, the not-so-simple Jerusalem streets!

Shabbat

The flowers were so colorful – perfect for a simple Shabbat greeting.

Tu Bishvat

It’s that fun time of year again! The almond trees bloomed early.

Almonds on display in Jerusalem Machane Yehudah Market before Tu Bishvat

Remember it was all almonds last year? Now off to find something new to share next time from the multiple Tu Bishvat events.

February has only begun, just another week in Jerusalem with so much more happening soon! Come and see for yourself or host an online tour.

Jerusalem Moving Forward: The Hope for Future

If last week was a week of transitions, this one is set to be even greater.

Not only because we had the whole family together for the first time in years for a photo and it’s my birthday. The final countdown has started for a new Israeli government after 12 years under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Jerusalem tourism is looking to improve with an announcement that on July 1st tourists are to be allowed into Israel. People have already started traveling again, as much as possible.

Photo credit: Mark Neyman GPO

Reuven Rivlin, in his last month as president, flew to Romania on an official visit this past week. An important stop was to speak at a joint session of the Romanian parliament before some 350 members of the Senate and Chamber of Deputies.

Last week, a corona is over celebration was held at the Jerusalem Theater.

Outside, security told me “no photos,” so this was as close to the white security tent at the entrance I could get. Most people didn’t know what was going on inside, and traffic was not blocked.

An award ceremony was held at the Jerusalem Theater to show appreciation for the Israeli health institutions and their contributions to successful efforts during the pandemic.

Real food – a sign of back to what was before corona, plus this event included healthy food options.

Hospital heads were present plus, police, military and emergency services.

Health Minister Yuli Edelstein entered the theater wearing a mask.

A moment of silence for those who died and Hatikvah began the program.

A video with milestone days, ended with 461, and together we won.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke proudly of his accomplishment.

Ironic. Corona-over-celebration. However, the former Health Minister was one of few not wearing a mask in the packed auditorium. It was in his speech that Edelstein announced that the mask law was to be lifted.

However, as the certificates were presented, masks were off. It seems handshaking and hugging are back,

and smiling,

as the dozens of certificates were presented at the big feel good party.

One would never have imagined all that was happening outside.

Fires. Low flying planes circled around the entrance of Jerusalem. Dry and hot, too many large forest fires close to Jerusalem for one week.

After a year of no live events, two nights in a row felt like setting a milestone. The next night at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center, there was a preview of a new documentary on Begin’s life, titled “Upheaval.” I highly recommend it – you can check it out HERE

Of course, seeing a movie in a real theater, and with Menachem Begin’s son and secretary, along with many others featured in the film, and a few Ambassadors was a really nice bonus. And, also food and wine were served before the film was shown in the renovated auditorium.

Not everything was live, Israel hosted over 400 participants from 58 countries virtually to discuss cutting-edge issues such as the security of the Internet at OECD Global Forum on Digital Security. Next year Japan is host.

The ever popular Shavuah HaSefer, Hebrew Book Week is back – live.

I was not the only one who was disappointed going on Friday to find it wasn’t open. The event is only on nights, from 6-8:30 pm until June 19, 2021.

According to the Israel National Library, in 2020, there was a decrease of 2,000 books published in comparison with 2019. But the Hebrew Book Week sales attract crowds of all ages, the full library report – HERE.

However, even without the books, Takhana Rishona, First Station was busy.

A Latin American Festival with booths and dancing got people’s attention.

A Brazilian singer entertained from the center stage. The Brazilian Ambassador was also in the crowd. Was it the food, Latin music, no masks outside, or the weather that put so many people in a festive mood?

Live performances are again being promoted along the Jerusalem streets.

New parks are popping up around Jerusalem, Israel.

It’s been a difficult time period going from a long pandemic, to Meron tragedy, to Operation Guardians of the Walls with thousands of rockets fired at Israel, fires surrounding Jerusalem, and all in the shadow of election dramas.

Who would have ever imagined all that has happened since Tu Bishvat 2020 at Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s Residence?

Hatikvah, The Hope – Israel’s anthem, no matter how you sing it,

or where – the hope for the future is a constant theme throughout the years.

Hope to see you soon on the Jerusalem streets.

Jerusalem: November Sights and Colors

Another week went by in Jerusalem, in Israel, in the world, as the COVID-19 pandemic drags on and November comes to an end.

A 3-hour commercial flight from Dubai flew over Saudi airspace and landed in Ben Gurion Airport last Thursday.

Who would have imagined that only a few weeks ago?

Thanksgiving was celebrated in the US, under different circumstances.

I certainly don’t miss the HOURS we spent stuck on the New Jersey Turnpike, which turned into one long parking lot with the holiday traffic, no matter what the weather conditions.

In Jerusalem, Israel the winter weather is not the same as we had in the NE US.

When the sun came out on Friday after predictions of rain, it was time to get out and walk in the morning. It had been many months since I had been to the Old City and it was time to take advantage of the beautiful day and see what was happening.

View of Western Wall Plaza from Jewish Quarter stairway, on Friday with police vehicles parked

The Kotel, Western Wall Plaza was filled with police vehicles, but Friday was quiet.

Western Wall at night during COVID-19 divided into sections

I had repeatedly seen the Western Wall cam images of the newest sections.

With constantly changing restrictions and regulations for COVID-19, these are the latest divisions. People gather outside before entering and pray in small groups scattered closer to the Kotel.

Jerusalem Israel Old City scene of future elevator to the Jewish Quarter

How long coronavirus restrictions will last is unknown. Which will come first–the completion of this elevator to the Rova, the Jewish Quarter, or the end of the pandemic?

Two Arab women going up stairs in Old City to Jewish Quarter

For now, it’s still walking up the multiple staircases and steps to get from the plaza to the Jewish Quarter.

Jerusalem Israel road into Armenian Quarter quiet on Friday morning during coronavirus pandemic.

It was strange to see the road to the Armenian Quarter so quiet, especially on a Friday.

Friday morning inside Jaffa Gate during COVID-19 restrictions and closings

Sad to see the plaza inside Jaffa Gate so quiet, especially on Friday near midday.

Black Friday lines to shop in ZARA in Mamilla Mall loosening of corona restricitons.

However, Mamilla Mall was all but quiet on Black Friday. With the opening of more stores and malls the end of last week, crowds of shoppers were out.

People eating outside during COVID-19 as takeout food was legal, cut inside dining forbidden.

Dining inside restaurants is still forbidden, but some places are offering takeout and people can find a place to sit and eat outdoors.

I took advantage of the sunny days not to eat or shop, but to walk and see what was happening in Jerusalem.

View of Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem  from Agron Street

The new Museum of Tolerance is visible from Agron Street, but all museums are still closed. The Israel Museum is to open on Tuesday and so are seven other large Israeli museums.

Menorah and Jewish star near entrance to Knesset road

Even found a day with no protesters across from the Knesset and a clear shot of the menorah near the Rose Garden.

View of Israeli Knesset from the Rosh Garden

This is the classic view of the Knesset from the Rose Garden.

Scenes from within the Rose Garden are less familiar and it was perfect for a nature photo walk – BC, before corona.

One family was taking advantage of a photo session in the Rose Garden. Dozens of student groups were spread throughout the park area, and one advantage of corona school closings is seeing young people outside.

Jerusalem path from Israeli Supreme Court Building to the Knesset

On my way out of the Rose Garden, I noticed another view of the Knesset.

From the gates of the Israeli Supreme Court campus, there is a straight path to the Knesset Building entrance.

This short stone path leads directly from the Knesset

into the Supreme Court. How many times had been in the Rose Garden and not noticed this path?

The view of Nahalot from the Rose Garden is still the same, but new buildings are rising daily just beyond it. Construction during this coronavirus time is going at a fast pace.

The new landscaping in Gan Sacher, Sacher Park, was being prepared.

Jerusalem Sacher Park landscaping during coronavirus limitations

And in one day, hundreds of plantings were put in the ground by work crews after the irrigation was set.

Jerusalem Sacher Park children's play equipment with new access ramp

The refurbished play equipment in Gan Sacher with its new bright colors and ramp are ready after months of work.

Jerusalem Israel Teddy Park with fountain off and quiet on a Friday during coronavirus pandemic.

Jerusalem’s Teddy Park was lovely and green, but quiet for a Friday.

Jerusalem streets are changing and getting ready for visitors whenever that will be in the future, looking forward to tourists from Dubai and Bahrain and more to fill the hotels under construction and those closed now because of COVID.

Colorful autumn sunset over Jerusalem Israel streets

Besides the green nature areas, it’s time to appreciate the colorful autumn sunsets.

As always there was more happening on the real Jerusalem streets, but will save and share next time.

Take care and stay well!