Thousands of visitors arrived in Israel for the holidays.
Many families had long-awaited, anticipated reunions.
With school out for more than a week, it was a time to look for new and different activities.
Downtown Jerusalem went with a Crusader theme, remember the previous ones?
I remember this is the fifth Knight-themed night event in the past 15 years.
The nights were more colorful for a photo than in the daytime.
Jerusalem of Freedom was the theme this year. Happy Passover from Jerusalem.
Those families that did not travel north for activities in nature could use the suspension bridge and, on this clear day, see the mountains of Jordan in the distance.
The water and music were on at the fountain in Teddy Park for half an hour, much to the delight of families when there was finally a warm day.
The first days were so cold, and it rained in some locations, but the last days were warm.
Near the Teddy Park is the Artists’ Colony, and new art was on display at Kol HaOt. Arriving late in the day, I missed the activities for children, but could see the works based on the current war and hostage theme. Celebrations for the second Passover since October 7 were held, but muted.
As in the past, Bank Hapoalim provided free admission to dozens of museums. We took advantage by going to Jerusalem’s L.A. Mayer Museum for Islamic Art.
The story of the stolen watches and their return is worthy of a visit. This fan alone is a timepiece with gold, diamonds, and pearls, worth a small fortune.
But the rest of the pieces are equally amazing as their story. It is a very secure place if the Houthis’ ballistic missile interceptions set off another alarm. The room is an extremely secure vault to prevent another theft from occurring.
Upstairs is the art and the history of the development of Islam from the early days of Muhammad.
I did not remember the Harari Hoard from previous visits. Ralph Harari collected Islamic metalware. These 20 silver pieces on display are from the 11th to 12th centuries.
In another room, the gold jewelry from the Harari collection is also impressive.
The new temporary exhibit is called “Fluid Concrete.”
Seeing the photos in black and white of buildings from around the world, I now understand the sign posted on the wall outside that I shared two weeks ago.
A sign of Passover on the Jerusalem streets, shops with limited food options to purchase.
Ah, but this year, sushi was for sale on Passover. Here in Rechavia for take-out only.
Days of cooking and eating, but the only photos were from before Shabbat.
The only regret is that I have no photos of the food on Shabbat served for lunch.
Even the last pickle was gone from the jar when they all went home.
On Tuesday and Thursday morning of Passover, as on Sukkot, tens of thousands were again at the Kotel, Western Wall, for Birkat Cohanim, the Priestly Blessing.
In the afternoon, First Station, despite a construction project that had the path closed,
and a large section blocked for renovation, for a light rail station to be built at the old train station,
saw families enjoying the activities along with the Passover food and ice cream for sale.
First Station was the place to be on at least two days of Passover, for a bicycle festival held there.
It was already dressed in blue and white for the upcoming holiday season.
One could even find a small blue and white cellphone bag for sale.
Spring has come, not only at the Tower of David, but along the Jerusalem streets.
In Yemin Moshe, there were spring flowers and blue and white flags.
On the balcony at the Theatron Residences was an Israeli flag.
Israeli flags were on display at private homes,
and a large Jerusalem flag was outside the entrance to a nursery school.
From one day to the next, the flags were flying over the Jerusalem streets.
But as the memorial flame over the door at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center reminds us, along with the celebrations come the memorial days, beginning with Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, starting on Wednesday night, April 23, 2025.
So it was – this year in Jerusalem.
Just home from Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s residence, where seven new Ambassadors presented their credentials. Jane Huckabee stood as her husband, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, signed the official guest book, holding her handbag – the newest blue & white, with the US flag on the other side.
