sports – Page 2 – The Real Jerusalem Streets

Giro d’Italia 2018 from Jerusalem to Eliat

May 6, 2018May 9, 2018Sharon A

Big. Really big.

As predicted, the Giro d’Italia took over the Jerusalem, Israel streets.

The information book was big and heavy. The press passes required ID photos.

The ‘I love Jerusalem’ sign near the finish line was big, the biggest I have seen.

Streets were closed on Thursday to construct the start and finish lines, and the spectator boxes near Mamilla Mall and the Old City.

Thousands of people came to support and report on the 176 riders of 22 participating international teams. Italian- speaking tour guides were in demand, but English was also the main language.

I met two riders from the Bahrain team who were window shopping in Mamilla Mall.

Bahrain was one of two Arab countries which sponsored cycling teams.

UAE, United Arab Emirates, also had a team of riders in Israel.

Warm-up runs through the Jerusalem, Israel streets, were easier to photograph,

as riders were not flying by as quickly as they were for individual time trials held all afternoon.

Teams could be seen pacing their turns together.

At the finish line, crowds came early to get a good spot.

These big stands at the finish line hosted the VIP spectators on Friday.

On Thursday, there were piles of building materials.

Before the official time trials began, the media gathered for a special ride in memory of Italian cyclist hero Gino Bartali. If you do not know his story, look HERE how he saved Jewish lives during the Holocaust.

Oops, anyone can have a false start.

At a press conference before the Giro d’Italia began, cycling promoter Sylvan Adams told of his vision for Israel and Giro d’Italia. Israel Cycling Academy General Manager Ran Margaliot added his thanks to Adams for initiating and funding this first Giro d’Italia outside of Europe, while Guy Niv, one of the two Israeli cyclists, sat and listened closely.

Helicopters flew over the riders with cameras to broadcast the race around the world. After Jerusalem, the Giro d’Italia went north for Stage 2, and then south from Beer Sheva to Eilat for Stage 3, Along the way Bedouin came out from their tents to watch. After the 229 kilometer ride through the desert Elia Viviani won the Stage 3, as well as the Stage 2 from Haifa-Tel Aviv.

The big, pink Giro d’Italia took over the Jerusalem streets. The cyclist from Bahrain explained the color to me. The Italian sports paper from over 100 years ago when the Giro d’Italia began, was printed on pink paper.

It was almost possible to overlook Lag B’Omer this year. In some neighborhoods the bonfires were fewer and smaller.

However, these boys leading a Lag B’Omer children’s parade from Mamilla Mall drummed loud enough to remind everyone.

After an overnight stay in Eilat the Giro d’Italia has a three hour flight to Catania, for a rest and the next stage.

The race ends in Rome on May 27, 2018.

With the Giro d’Italia completed in Israel, streets in Jerusalem will go back to blue and white.

Preparations for Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, are especially significant this year with announcement of US Embassy moving, and other embassies returning to Jerusalem.

However, for more Jerusalem Giro d’Italia photos please look HERE

Shabbat Shalom

May 4, 2018Sharon A

Giro d’Italia has taken over the Jerusalem, Israel streets.

Thousands have come to Jerusalem, Israel, for the professional cycling event.

A billion are to watch on live televised showing of the race.

This ‘I love Jerusalem’ sign will show as cyclists reach the finish line.

Zahal Square with I love Jerusalem sign for Giro d'Italia

שבת שלום

Shabbat shalom

Jerusalem: Good & Bad, Hot & Running

September 13, 2017Sharon A

Jerusalem is having a September heat wave.

Not so good for me,

I complain a lot and slow down.

But things are still going strong,

and Jerusalem is busier than ever.

Not sure if these raised arrangements like the heat

or if they are good or bad,

but this new flower display is near the Montefiore Windmill.

I passed it on my way to the Jerusalem Press Club to hear

Dr. Michael Borchard, the Director of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung,

who reported on a survey of Israelis’ opinions of the EU.

The conclusion:

good news and bad news, but pretty much the same.

Economic missions, trade missions, and overseas delegations

seem to be everywhere, all the time.

US Congressmen were at the King David Hotel recently,

and this week the Governor of Iowa Kay Reynolds

led an Economic Development Authority mission to Israel.

Iowans really are some of the nicest people,

here a group met to hear about Jerusalem based bio-startups.

The amazing innovations seek US collaboration to grow.

But besides back to school,

there is much more happening on the streets.

Another Second Hand Fair was on Emek Refaim St.

Kulna, part of Mekudeshet, a festival of varied events

of the Jerusalem Season of Culture,

was set up in Mitchell Gardens.

Those who came early to the had the option of seats

and food and drink to buy,

with the walls of the Old City across the street in the background.

One Arab family came early to get a good spot,

and much of the program featured Arab music.

Amman is 71 kilometers from us, one slide informed us.

As always, emergency medical care was on site.

But though there were hundreds, maybe 2000 people,

there were no reports of injuries or emergencies in the crowd.

Signs were up all along the way to the park for

a first-ever Jerusalem Run for Women,

but not everyone saw those warnings of major streets to be closed.

Security checked out their locations

for the 5k and 10k races.

Women and girls came from all over to run.

I tried to take one of those water bottles,

but it felt so hot, I put it back.

After dark the women, and a few men,

started running.

Here goes the winner of the 10K

and my friend who won the 5k

was already smiling on the way to starting line.

I love when people race by and scream out “Sharon.”

If you know who is waving please let me know.

One of my favorite runners

was this cute little guy.

His father was right behind with the stroller making a video.

These posters tell of events in parks with live music,

and special musical nights in the Municipal Square,

Opening the Gates Of Prayer,

with seasonal High Holy days songs.

So much is happening on the Jerusalem streets,

now if would just cool off a bit so we can enjoy it.

But at least no one is complaining about no rain this year.

and I guess that also could be good.