middle east current events – Page 71 – The Real Jerusalem Streets

After Israeli Independence Day Celebrations

May 15, 2016rjstreets

Celebrations for Yom Haatzmaut,

Israel Independence Day,

have come to an end for this year.

There were lots of ceremonies, and the Bible Quiz on TV,

and flags flying above the streets and on buildings,

and little Israeli flags clipped on to cars.

As usual, Gan Sacher,

Sacher Park, was the scene of hundreds of family picnics.

People brought chairs and tables and bags of food,

and even mattresses for comfort.

But this couch was a first.

There were smiles from strangers and tents.

Smoke from grills and the sounds of karaoke filled the air.

During the afternoon planes of all sizes

appeared in formation

in the blue skies

and thrilled the crowds below.

Beautiful children with flags and balloons

enjoyed the celebrations.

A group of lone soldiers enjoyed some serious ribs,

grills were fired up all day to feed the hundreds that came.

Tens of thousands celebrated in Gan Sacher,

including one special group of girls,

Bnot Sherut, girls from overseas who are spending

their “gap year” volunteering in Israel.

The media missed their dance performance, but they did find this family

who were happy to share their opinions

of what a beautiful day it was,

concluding with a rousing,

“AM YISRAEL CHAI.”

No it is not snow, even if it’s called “sheleg,”

it’s the dreadful white shaving cream stuff,

this couple found some tinted pink

and had a great time spraying it all around.

I was happy to see less of that messy stuff this year.

And security?

Policewomen were seen checking out the food.

That was all on Thursday, now on Sunday,

I hope this heat wave is over quickly.

The heat and humidity keep me off the streets

and inside with the air conditioner running.

With the holidays over,

it is time for more festivals,.

Education starts tomorrow with an event at the Israel Museum,

and the Jerusalem Light Festival in the Old City

which begins next week, plus

an International Writers’ Festival and Lag B’Omer—

all will be happening in Jerusalem, Israel.

Yad Vashem: Behind the Camera on Yom HaShoah

May 6, 2016rjstreets

Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day,

is international, but more intense in Jerusalem, Israel,

from a simple memorial candle display in a hotel lobby,

to the national commemoration at Yad Vashem.

Since the program is televised at 8:00 pm,

it starts on time,

people start arriving hours early to the plaza.

The honor guard poses for photographs before.

One of the six survivors honored to light a memorial flame,

Joseph Labi and son Maurice were kind enough to pose,

more on his story next week when there is time.

This was one of my favorite photos.

The sky at sunset was a scene stealer this year.

When the Prime Minister enters all stand, block the view,

and either try for a handshake or cellphone photo,

and it is a large crowd of hundreds.

Rabbi Meir Lau, a child survivor, lit the large memorial flame

after the Israeli flag was lowered to half mast.

After President Reuven Rvilin spoke,

PM Benjamin Netanyahu spoke for 15 minutes,

using his hands to emphasize a point.

Six flames, six survivors,

one for each million murdered by the Nazis,

in the Shoah, Holocaust, each with an incredible story.

During the videos retelling their stories,

you could hear a pin drop,

no one coughed, no one moved,

except to wipe away tears.

After the program ended,

I held my camera high to see who was in the crowd.

But in the sea of invited guests,

with Israeli political and military leaders,

a large German government representation,

it was hard to find anyone.

However, US Ambassador Dan Shapiro lingered

to talk with this family.

Many selfies were taken that night,

but this last one of the night is a favorite.

For too many families remembering is not a once a year event,

but a lifetime spent reliving horrors.

However, from the depths and sadness,

the signs are up for

Yom Haatzmaut,

Independence Day giant celebrations

are being planned for next week,

in Jerusalem, Israel.

But first,

Shabbat shalom.

שבת שלום

Jerusalem Spring Colors

May 4, 2016rjstreets

Passover is over.

It is back to school,

except for high school students who are on a two-day strike.

Back to work, back to “normal”

and trying to get back on a schedule.

It will take awhile to clean up mess left behind

by tens of thousands of people in all the outdoor spaces.

But I started the week indoors at the Israel Museum,

where colors are waiting to greet you.

What a treat,

I had a guided tour with the curator.

I am so pleased that I went back to get more of

Pharaoh in Canaan: The Untold Story.

From a visiting the sphinx

to games from ancient Egypt,

this is a fascinating era in history,

and one I had not thought about before.

With Passover over, do not worry,

there is no time to get bored.

It is now time for the Yoms,

Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Memorial Day,

then next week Yom HaZikaron,

Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism,

followed by Yom Haatzmaut, Israel Independence Day.

I love to catch the dress rehearsal flyovers.

This year there were only two small planes,

against the blue sky with wisps of white clouds.

Only two short flights,

with two planes flying in formation.

I assume there will be much more action mid-day on Yom Haatzmaut,

and I plan to be in Gan Sacher, Sacher Park for the show.

The blue and white Israeli and Jerusalem flags

are waving over many Jerusalem streets,

hung annually for the Yoms.

But new this week,

these large umbrellas

are hovering over Music Square in Jerusalem,

with smaller ones in the lanes as you approach

the square from Yoel Salomon Street.

Color from real flowers,

or another 3-D street art piece, or

I love movie posters in Hebrew,

especially this red one is for “Angry Birds.”

Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day,

begins tonight, real torches will be lit at Yad Vashem,

but many buildings have not only blue and white Israeli flags,

but also red and orange memorial flames,

like this one on the King David Hotel.

Slow, sad music has started on the radio.

On the Jerusalem, Israel streets,

it is easier to remember,

“Never Again.”