middle east current events – Page 124 – The Real Jerusalem Streets

Signs of Israeli Election Fever

January 3, 2013rjstreets

Everyone has noticed by now that the world did not come to an end,

but the year 2012 has ended.

Living in Jerusalem, Israel, at this time of year is such a different experience.

Colorful lights and decorated trees are hard to find

and just do not compare to displays in other places we have lived.

After Hanukkah,

it was back to work while the rest of the world was on holiday.

This year we not only have work, but also an election season to keep us busy.

Surveys, polls and recorded phone messages are a constant headache.

There is no getting away from it on the streets,

where text messages are sent to cell phones

and campaign signs are posted illegally

and legally.

It seems that Tzippi Livni has an ad on the back of every bus.

Faces are posted on buildings

and signs line this foot bridge near government buildings.

Naftali Bennett’s popularity and “you have a home” campaign

may have been a surprise to some, but not to me.

I saw hundreds of people standing in long lines

waiting to vote for him in the party primaries a few weeks ago.

Look on the right at that pile of rolled up signs,

soon all of Israel will be filled with signs

The good thing for those sick of this election season,

is it has only 3 weeks left to go.

Yes, 2013 is starting with negative election campaign attacks,

but also there are new signs to welcome Taglit-Birthright participants.

For the 13th year, thousands of young people are visiting Israel,

it is great seeing so many visitors on the streets.

I hope everyone has a chance to see some of the beauty for themselves.

Winter flowers are a great antidote for the stress of election fever.

25 New Reasons There’s Hope for Future in Israel

December 25, 2012rjstreets

Human Rights Watch finally called Hamas’ firing on Israel a “war crime,”

however, a month after Operation Pillar of Defense,

new rockets were launched toward Israel from Gaza that fell short.

As the year 2012 comes to an end, how about some good news?

Last week I got out of Jerusalem, Israel, and went south,

near the Gaza border, where the sign was only in Hebrew and Arabic.

Kinneret was kind enough to show me around Kibbutz Alumim,

whose fields are 4 kilometers from Gaza, which can be seen in the distance.

Carrots from the fields are sorted in this factory,

whose bomb shelter is at its entrance.

Another shelter is placed on the children’s playground

and all the housing has safe rooms added on.

Alumim also has cows and avocado trees,

and impressive sunsets.

Like a pearl that started from a grain of sand in the ocean,

in this seemingly unlikely place, and because of “the situation”

a new program began called Southern Task Force-Yonatan

or Mechinat Yonatan, for Yoni Netanyahu.

Started last year by a few idealistic girls who found others on Facebook,

this co-ed, religious group of 25 young people

are taking a year after high school to work on the kibbutz,

study Torah, and volunteer in schools in nearby cities.

They get up early and work hard, but still find time to relax,

and all of them plan to join the army next year.

With young leaders like these, I say we have 25 new reasons to hope

for a better future in Israel.

The young people I spoke with talked of wanting

to work the land, learn Torah, and make a difference.

As 2012 comes to an end, can you think of a better hope for the future?

To see more photos, click HERE.

Hanukkah Light from Jerusalem

December 9, 2012rjstreets

Last night was the first night of Hanukkah.

I went to Mamilla Mall to watch the candlelighting of the large hanukiah

led by Sephardic Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar.

Some of his followers came,

but hundreds were in the crowd that gathered and watched from below.

There were even a few who watched from above.

Inside the mall were many hanukiot,

and one very proud family posing with one of the artists.

That was going to be the theme of this blog:

the signs of family, creativity, happiness and LOVE.

Then I got home and listened to the news of Hamas celebrations in Gaza

and Mashaal’s vow to continue fighting against Israel,

and not to give an inch. So much for peace partners.

Hanukkah is a celebration of good over evil and light over darkness.

So let me add a few other photos taken at Mamilla Mall all that

you will not see in the media stream media.

People of all religions were present at the candle lighting.

Arab girls were shopping in the mall as usual,

Arab young men were walking freely as usual, and there were even

Arab boys out riding their bikes near the large hanukiah near the Jaffa Gate.

Even with hundreds of Hanukkah celebrants on the streets, as usual,

there was no sign of Apartheid or BDS – Boycott, Divestment or Sanctions.

Hanukkah time in Jerusalem, Israel and there is just too much to do,

but here is a great source for some of the top Jerusalem events.

Meanwhile, while Hamas prepares its babies to be killers,

please contrast to how children are “used” in Jerusalem.

May the light from Jerusalem, Israel continue to be a light unto the nations.