What a week this was!
The warnings and sirens of Operation Roaring Lion/Epic Fury rang out on Shabbat morning.
It’s almost hard to remember what happened in Jerusalem, Israel, before the alarms sounded, sending us to the shelter in our building multiple times.
But always, things were happening on and off the Jerusalem streets you should know about.
Before the cold weather and skies raining ballistic missiles from Iran, there were important events.
President Herzog hosted the annual Iftar meal at Beit Hanasi, the President’s official residence.
Important to note that the Abraham Accords Ambassadors to Israel attended, along with Arab leaders.
The Knesset was preparing all day for the afternoon arrival of the Prime Minister of India.
Flags and banners were outside the building
and inside the Knesset building, too.
I remember when the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, was in Israel from July 4- 7, 2017.
He received lots of warm hugs from President Rivlin and media attention.
This time, besides the warm welcome, Modi also spoke at the Knesset Plenary.
I went to attend the session where US Ambassador Mike Huckabee was speaking at the Knesset Caucus for Israel–U.S. Relations, initiated by the Ruderman Family Foundation. Chaired by Knesset Member Ohad Tal, it marked the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
“For a $7 trillion-a-year budget, the support that goes to Israel is a tiny blip,” he said.
He mentioned that Americans don’t think about it because Iran is 8,000 miles away. Emphasizing that for over 47 years, Iran has killed thousands of Americans and is working to build a global nuclear threat.
For the distinguished guests, there was a display of Israeli antiquities along a main hall.
The Israel Museum is closed today. Important works were moved to secure locations.
I was there on Thursday to see the new exhibits to celebrate its 60th anniversary.
It was very different than the 50th big birthday bash.
The iconic Shrine of the Book is where the Dead Sea Scrolls are safeguarded.
The Israel Museum preserves and displays invaluable antiquities.
For the first time, a behind-the-scenes preservation lab is visible, enabling museum visitors to watch the work being done.
The crown jewel of the celebration is “A Voice from the Desert: The Great Isaiah Scroll,” curated by Hagit Maoz.
The story began in 1947 when a young Bedouin shepherd entered a cave near Qumran.
He found a parchment in one of the clay pots.
The exhibit shares a video of the journey of the Isaiah Scroll from the desert to Jerusalem and its current home.
For the first time since 1968, the Great Isaiah Scroll has been unrolled to its full 24-foot length.
The public can book to see it for ten minutes in groups of 25.
Hopefully, the Israel Museum will be able to open again soon.
Because of preservation precautions, this exhibition was to be for only 4 months.
Leaving the room with the real deal, a copy is on the wall. Highlighted are quotes along the text.
“Comfort, Oh comfort My people” is one.
Oh, how timely, beating “their swords into plowshares” and “The wolf shall dwell with the lamb” are two others.
Cinema City is preparing for the Jerusalem Marathon on March 27, 2026.
Shops are preparing for Purim.
What will the celebrations be this year?
No one knows for sure.
The big signs and plans are for a Shushan Purim mega event near the National Library and Museums.
“Shout for joy, you who dwell in Zion!” is another quote from Isaiah – as we take shelter from Iranian ballistic missiles – again.
