middle east current events – Page 52 – The Real Jerusalem Streets

100 Years – Israel Going & Growing

100 Years – Israel Going & Growing

November 7, 2017Sharon A

From Jerusalem, Australia, and New Zealand,

government leaders traveled to Beer Sheva

for the 100th-year reenactment of the charge

of the Light Horse Brigade,

when those brave Aussie horsemen defeated the Turks

and turned the tide in World War I for the Allies.

Then Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

went to London for the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration,

which called for a Jewish Homeland to be established in Palestine.

For those who study the Bible,

these two events 100 years ago were of great significance.

Christian Zionists were in Jerusalem, Israel,

this week to commemorate with Israelis.

Meanwhile,

outside the PM’s official residence in Jerusalem, Israel,

there was a protest tent and hunger strike.

Leaders from Judea and Samaria want

more services and better roads as promised.

Special programs around 100 years since Balfour

have been held at the Knesset.

Finally back in session after long break,

the Knesset is the scene of multiple sessions daily.

One committee headed by MK Avraham Neguise

heard testimonies of recent growing antisemitism.

From left to right, wearing translation earphones, are

the Ambassadors of Germany, the European Union, and Austria.

Also on the road this week is

President Reuven Rivlin, who was in Spain

meeting with Jewish leaders, and was hosted

by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia at a state dinner.

100 years ago Jews were allowed to enter Spain

after being expelled in 1492.

Last week at Beit Hanasi, the President’s official residence,

new security covers were down.

Loud protesters from South Tel Aviv

took to the streets shouting,

in stark contrast to what was happening inside.

Outgoing Israeli Supreme Court President Miriam Naor

kissed and hugged incoming President Esther Hayut.

Israeli Supreme Court Judges sat on the side

as former Supreme Court Presidents sat with

with other government leaders.

After the loud Knesset opening,

this dignified, hand shaking,

kissing and hugging event did not make international news,

but Israel media had live coverage.

The room was as crowded as it was for President Trump’s visit.

The Israeli Chief of Police did not seem

thrilled while he waited for the official photos of

the present and past Supreme Court Presidents

with President Rivlin and Justice Minister Shaked.

But even the Prime Minister had to sit and wait

for the expanded official Supreme Court photo.

One more of the many memorable scenes at Beit Hanasi

was that of recently retired Supreme Court Judge Salim Joubran,

who was interviewed after the ceremony for Israeli TV.

He was the Arab Judge who oversaw the last Israeli election.

Who would have imagined any of these things 100 years ago?

Palestine was a barren desert under Ottoman rule.

Today as we still await the rainy season,

the only umbrella I saw out this week

was on this art piece in Mamilla Mall.

And as always it seems,

there is another new cultural festival ahead.

Who could have imagined any of this 100 years ago?

Who could have imagined it 70 years ago?

A short video, part of German Ambassador’s testimony in Knesset:

More on legislation here,

but this is getting way too long, as always.

The three millionth tourist for 2017,

entered Israel, receiving a royal welcome,

they will certainly see for themselves,

what is happening on the Jerusalem, Israel streets.

What’s Happening on Jerusalem Streets after Holidays?

What’s Happening on Jerusalem Streets after Holidays?

October 24, 2017October 24, 2017Sharon A

After the chagim, after the holidays.

The holiday visitors have gone.

Now what? Plenty.

The universities are finally starting.

The Knesset is back in session after long break.

Way too much is happening in Jerusalem to keep up.

The imposing Tower of David (ToD)

was open for the launch of its new Innovation Lab.

These old statues were being relocated,

and over 20 technology startups in augmented reality/virtual reality,

AR/VR, were being presented.

Click and see history of 3000 years unfold!

With glasses like these,

one day you will be able sit at home

and feel as if you were in Herod’s old fortress.

And with these glasses,

eye movements can operate a robot.

Much more is happening and planned for AR/VR.

It all sounds like science fiction,

but is being developed daily to enhance the museum experience

and improve quality of life.

Oh the contrast of old and new!

Outside those walls of the Old City, near Jaffa Gate,

these Christian tourists were singing and dancing,

while across the street a woman was sorting

the olives she had just taken from this olive tree.

Olive harvesting is nearly finished for this year.

However, new festivals are beginning.

Here are 3 favorites of new Hebrew signs.

Until I saw it in English,

I had hard time understanding,

the Lev Smadar Theater is hosting “Eclectic Jerusalem” cultural films.

Then there is this sign for an illustration and poetry,

“Out-Line Festival.”

And how about an International Animation Festival

in Jerusalem, at Cinematheque?

Not enough?

Houses WithIn, now called “Open House”

starts on Thursday, with 117 interesting and free tours.

Some are fascinating sites open to public,

some are announced as free access,

others were fully booked at warp speed.

Poor Folks’ Cemetery or the Har Herzl military cemetery,

famous private homes

or the Jerusalem home of the Electric Company, are a few options.

The Pillbox in Rechavia was opened last year.

It was less than comfortable inside and a worse photo op,

but it was interesting to hear about.

Photos from the International Jerusalem

Jewish Contemporary Art Bienalle will have to wait for next time.

Oh and soon, Open Restaurants – 5 days, 100 options!

More next time,

will see how many I can get to.

So much is happening on the Jerusalem streets.

Jerusalem March on Sukkot Amazing International Event

Jerusalem March on Sukkot Amazing International Event

October 15, 2017Sharon A

The 60th International Jerusalem March

took place during the intermediate days of the Sukkot holiday,

the Feast of Tabernacles, and again this year was a huge event.

Flags from 60 countries flew from the flagpoles

and small ones were given out to spectators.

Major streets were closed for the 60,000 participants.

The starting point in Gan Sacher, Sacher Park,

was colorful, and not just because of these clowns.

Thousands of Israelis came

and gathered in the central Jerusalem park,

to join in the parade,

and to see the international visitors.

The weather was sunny and warm,

a perfect time for an ice cream treat.

Here is the banner of the United Nations for Israel.

There were shofars blowing,

matching hats,

and more distinctive headgear,

entertainment for children,

and of course, selfies.

Thousands walked and watched this March for Zion,

singing love from Philippines,

waving Israeli flags,

or carrying a Jerusalem flag as a banner.

This group from China,

besides distributing a flag or candy treat,

gave this woman a pearl necklace.

One marcher’s costume had a US-Israel theme,

while right behind him came

this woman spreading her golden wings.

The enthusiasm and colors,

the flags small and

large, were everywhere.

There were Biblical banners

and Israelis flags, from countries far and wide

including Indonesia.

The love for Yerushalayim,

50 years of a unified Jerusalem,

overflowed,

as tens of thousands marched out

of the park and through

the streets of Jerusalem, Israel, on Tuesday afternoon,

ending at First Station.

What a way to celebrate a beautiful day.