In Jerusalem, Israel, some bonfires started after Shabbat,
while others began Sunday night and Monday.
Lag B’Omer seemed less intense this year.
Some hide inside from the smoke and close their windows,
and I was one of the insiders.
On Monday morning many children had no school,
which was great timing for a free Museum Day.
Though Monday was warm and windy,
this father went biking with his children.
I saw fewer fires at night burning near us,
but these ashes looked like a party the night before.
No reports of serious damage is always good,
and the sirens this week were not all bad.
The Prime Minister of Ukraine went by in this noisy motorcade.
Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s Residence,
was busy as usual with foreign and local guests.
On Monday, history was made,
when the first female Qadi, Sharia Judge,
was sworn in by Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked.
Then on Tuesday, new ambassadors to Israel
presented their credentials, the first one of the day was Thailand.
The Israel Police Band played anthems, however,
even the new Spanish Ambassador received only minimal attention.
Most cameras were focused on new US Ambassador David Friedman
as he presented his credentials to President Rivlin.
As Hatikvah played, Friedman started to sing,
but after a few words, his lips stopped moving.
These red warning signs are up lining the street,
in Hebrew, and English ones too.
US President Donald Trump is to come next week.
Then we will see roads closed and traffic stopped.
This week Jerusalem is preparing to celebrate 50 years united,
with special Jerusalem flags,
in multiple ways and locations,
with music going late into the night.
Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day,
is on May 24, 2017, the 28 of Iyar.
The main event is set for May 21, 2017, at 8:30 pm,
here by the walls of the Old City,
but we are to have a US Presidential visit.
So many festivals, visitors and events,
it is hard to keep track,
stay tuned for what happens next on the Jerusalem streets.