Jerusalem, Israel – what is really happening
What a short week!
Thursday felt like Sunday after the Shavuot holiday,
and with a heat wave it was all energy draining.
Remembering the views at sunset on the Kinneret from last week,
now time already to prepare for Shabbat,
שבת שלום
Shabbat shalom!
Ever walk by something many times and not really notice?
Even with my camera always out and ready,
I had not really paid attention
to this building,
the Saint Louis French Hospital.
Its gates were opened recently for a few hours to the press.
Damage from a broken water pipe revealed hidden art on the walls.
Built across from New Gate of the Old City in the 19th century,
Comte Marie Paul Amédée de Piellat, a French nobleman funded,
designed and decorated the building after World War I.
His frescoes
were revealed to the public after years out of view,
that whole story has been written up in many places.
But, though I have seen the Israeli Antiquities photos of these frescoes,
no one posted a photo of the Kosher certificate near the entrance.
This hospital run by the Sisters of St Joseph of Apparition is kosher.
There is no sukkah,
but 50 volunteers came from Germany to clean for Passover.
Arriving after the official tour had ended,
one of the two chaplains kindly showed me around.
Going through the nuns’ private upstairs sleeping quarters to the roof,
was a great view of Notre Dame where Pope Francis
will stay on his visit in Jerusalem, Israel.
By roof top, Notre Dame is just a hop, skip and a jump away.
Too bad the patients at St Louis are much too ill to enjoy the views,
like this hidden oasis in back of the hospice.
I could have spent hours up there,
with incredible views
of Jerusalem, Israel, from all directions.
When security is high, sharp shooters are posted on roof tops.
Ever wonder what that is like?
Now you know what they will see for Pope’s visit.
Too bad that streets will be cleared when Pope Francis arrives,
he will not see the real Jerusalem streets.
Pope Francis is on his way to the Middle East for a quick visit.
Before his arrival in Jerusalem, Israel,
signs have been posted in English
and Hebrew,
lots of signs,
and lots of Vatican flags.
Tens of thousands of tourists are expected,
including hundreds of journalists and photographers.
Rabbi Abraham Skorka from Argentina, is a close friend of Pope Francis
going back more than 20 years.
They co-authored a book and anchored a TV show together
before Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio became Pope.
Skorka was involved in planning this Papal visit
to the Holy Land from its inception,
he said every detail has been carefully examined.
The steps at Heichel Shlomo got a power wash,
while inside,
in the hall where the Chief Rabbis will greet the Pope,
the current photo exhibit was carefully removed.
Special pieces from the Museum on the third floor were
brought down just for the Pope’ s Monday visit.
On Monday parking will be limited.
Streets will be closed.
Security and barriers are already up at Beit Hanasi, the President’s residence.
Preparations are so extensive that one woman told me she was already,
all poped out.
But my favorite,
in preparation for the Pope,
Paris Fountain
was having a bubble bath to get clean.
Last Papal visit in May of 2009,
I really wanted to see the Pope Mobile,
but Pope Benedict arrived in a regular limo.
Will be interesting to see what will happen this time.