Outrageous

Princess Chulabhorn of Thailand who is visiting Jerusalem

is recovering from an injury and presently unable to climb stairs.

"picture wheel chairs" , "photo wheel chair" , "image disabilites"

The grounds of Beit HaNasi, the President’s official residence

are accessible for those with disabilities,

however it is reported that on an official visit she had a difficult time

because of the stairs inside.

"picture stairs Jerusalem","photo Yemin Moshe",image Jerusalem steps"

Many places in Jerusalem can be difficult if you cannot do steps.

"Wheel chair at Wailing Wall", "picture Wailing Wall", "photo wheel chair"

The Kotel, the Western Wall can be accessed by wheelchair

"Step Old City picture", "Photo Old City", "image steps Jerusalem"

but until a proposed elevator is built,

getting there from the Jewish Quarter requires going down many steps.

"picture Jerusalem streets", "photo car Jerusalem", "image car"

Some sidewalks are narrow,

"picture narrow sidewalk", "Photo sidewalk Jerusalem","image Jerusalem sidewalk"

very narrow.

"Palestinian woman picture", "image Arab woman", "photo Palestinian"

The new Mamilla Mall

"image Palestinian man", "photo Arab Old City", "picture East Jerusalem"

and the central square in the Rova, the Jewish Quarter, are passable,

"picture sidewalk blocked", "image garbage dumpster", "photo Jerusalem street"

but too many sidewalks

"image bus stop", "picture old bus stop Jerusalem", "photo old bus stop"

are blocked,

"image disabled in the street", "photo traffic", "picture handicapped"

or non-existent,

"picture riding in street", "photo handicapped", "image disabled in street"

forcing wheelchairs and similar vehicles into busy streets.

None of this is news in Jerusalem,

for too many restaurants, synagogues and public buildings

are not accessible to the disabled.

"picture Sacher Park", "woman on walker picture", "image handicapped"

In Gan Sacher, Sacher Park, on Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day

when thousands and thousands of people gathered

"picture restrooms", "image bathrooms"

  …there were NO additional bathrooms provided.

Those women patient enough to wait in line had to navigate steps.

Some women required assistance,

requiring men in the toilet area to help them in and out of a waiting wheelchair.

Outrageous…

there is no excuse for this situation in the center of Jerusalem!

It may be hard to avoid going in the street in some locations,

"photo wheelchair", "picture tourists in wheel chair", "

but one should not have to be royalty to have their basic needs accommodated.

  Outrageous!

Update: April 17, 2012,

"picture new bus stop","Jerusalem bus photo" , "image bus stop Jerusalem"

 New bus stops make walking easier,

 now we need better public toilets in Gan Sacher for Yom Ha’atzmaut.

To Celebrate…62

Yom Ha’atzmaut

Israel Independence Day

6 Iyar 5770                   April 20, 2010

For many families the transition from Yom Hazikaron

into the celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut is difficult,

"picture Yom Hazikaron"

 going right after an intense day of mourning into party mode.

 But there were many and varied ways to celebrate this year,

62 years of the State of Israel.

Plenty of blue and white and flags,

   nighttime party options;

food and drink and music and fireworks…

 well into the night and morning hours.

For many families the day is begun

by watching the televised

International Bible Quiz

held at the Jerusalem Theater.

This year there was extra security,

as the Prime Minister’s son was the

finalist representing Jerusalem.

Provisions for extra security

were well under way the day before.

"picture President house Israel"

Located around the corner from the theater is Beit Hanasi, the President’s Residence

 where the annual Israel Prizes are awarded;

this could explain the blimp hovering over the area in the morning.

 The real Jerusalem streets were getting ready to celebrate,

parking spots on the sidewalk along Gan Sacher were filled quickly in the morning.

Not only was Gan Sacher full of people, but also

parks and nature strips all around the city and country, with people and mangals, BBQs,

the smell of grilled meat filled the air; a day for family and friend reunions.

Even the signs leading into Jerusalem were in holiday mode,

displaying holiday greetings and symbols, instead of the usual traffic congestion and accident warnings.

After dark Gan Sacher was still busy with people celebrating,

as the last remains of the charcoal turned to ash.

After all the celebrations,

people moved a little slow and looked a bit worn the next day.