Yom HaZikaron – Page 5 – The Real Jerusalem Streets

Ready to Celebrate Israel’s 64th Independence Day

April 24, 2012rjstreets

If you are not in Jerusalem this week

you are missing out on a very special time,

as Jerusalem gets ready for Yom Ha’atzmaut, Independence Day.

The weather has been cool and sunny during the day, with clear blue skies,

as the streets fill with blue and white Israeli flags.

At major intersections someone is usually selling flags for car windows.

Even Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu stopped his motorcade to buy a flag.

It is reported that he gave the seller a 5 shekel tip.

I wonder how you report that for taxes?

As you can see,

in some neighborhoods business has been very good this year.

This flag was one I had not seen before. It reads “God, He is King.”

The long Israeli flags are flying and ready for Independence Day,

but yesterday I was lucky to see…

the dress rehearsal of planes as they flew over

the Knesset Building

and the Israel Museum.

They were fast, loud and high in the sky as they flew away from Jerusalem.

There was time for one photo as they were coming towards me,

just before they split from their perfect formation.

This morning, the sad music on the radio has begun…

for first we will experience the flames and tears of Yom Hazikaron,

Remembrance Day for the fallen soldiers and victims of terror.

After remembering those lost in war and to terror attacks,

then it will be time to celebrate Israel’s 64th Independence Day.

Yom Hazikaron,To Remember

May 9, 2011rjstreets

While in most of the world it might be easy to miss Yom Hazikaron,

in Jerusalem, it is impossible to forget.

From announcements of major events of the day on the side of a bus

to a display of memorial candles in the shampoo aisle in the supermarket,

it is a day to remember

fallen soldiers

and the victims of terror attacks.

Since the Passover holiday ended, flags have been placed

on the tops of public buildings,

on businesses,

and on private residences.

From the hat shop in the center of town

to the walls of the Old City,

the blue and white Israeli flag

seems to be everywhere.

As the sun set on Sunday night, local community ceremonies were held,

and major events were broadcast on television and radio.

The Churva Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City was adorned with flags, waiting for visitors,

but mincha, the afternoon prayer service in the newly restored sanctuary was poorly attended.

Most views of the Kotel, the Western Wall plaza were blocked for security reasons,

as the official National commemoration began

with the honor guard and lighting of a memorial flame.

The new Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defence Forces, Lt. General Benny Gantz addressed the public

after a speech by President Shimon Peres,

but those without the special tickets would have had a much better view at home on TV.

Heading home, the stores of Mamilla Mall and places of entertainment and food were all closed.

Monday many services, both public and private, are held to remember those who died…

and those soldiers still missing.

As soon as Yom Hazikaron ends at nightfall, as every year,

Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel Independence Day…begins.

To Celebrate…62

April 22, 2010rjstreets

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,

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.

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.