Jerusalem, Israel – what is really happening
Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, and Jerusalem goes blue and white.
With global attention focused on Jerusalem, Israel, and opening of United States Embassy,
red, white and blue are the colors this year.
But before celebrations begin on Sunday, time to rest on Shabbat.
שבת שלום
Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day,
saw tens of thousands celebrating on King George Street,
as it filled with a sea of blue and white Israeli flags.
Afternoon shadows were not good for photos,
but the shade from hot sun was appreciated.
The Flag Parade, with its singing and dancing,
is mostly known for rowdy young male participants.
Last year I walked the entire route,
and as usual, if RJS is there, nothing bad happened.
This year what was significant was
not the guys, but the girls.
There were so many girls.
The crowd of girls stretched far into town,
farther than the eye or zoom lens could see.
There were two bands for separate dancing,
with their Israeli flags,
these girls were next to the guys’ circles,
but the guys seemed to take no notice of them.
Also significant to note concerning this day,
more than just teenage exuberance,
is the young families, who were walking,
and watching,
hundreds of families, many dressed in blue and white.
While thousands of older people lined the streets to watch.
From around the world they came,
to join in the celebrations
of Jerusalem being liberated and reunited,
on 28th of Iyar, June 1967,
as Israeli paratroopers reentered the Old City by way of the Lions’ Gate.
All the street closings
for flags and dancing and parades,
and the Trump presidential visit caused less
traffic havoc than two accidents and
an overload of cars on Thursday, causing gridlock,
making Jerusalem look like one big parking lot.
Tens of thousands of international visitors are still around.
A group of Christian tourists were dancing at Yaffa Gate,
to the Hebrew song “Moshiach.”
Under a clear blue sky the Old City
was serene and picture perfect.
On Shavuot, 5 Sivan, Tuesday, May 30,
the streets will again be filled, not with cars,
but with throngs of people walking,
to the Kotel, Western Wall for holiday prayers.
During the Six-Day War, all of Israel was united,
fearing destruction.
The defeat of the invading Arab armies has often been
described as miraculous.
Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone could come together again,
in good times, not just bad.
A timely message on this Jerusalem public bus.
Chag Sameach, Happy Holiday.
Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day,
started early this year
with the official opening extravaganza on Sunday night.
The preparations for the major event were extensive
near the Jaffa Gate and the walls of the Old City.
Not only a presidential visit requires extra security.
Viewing stands were in the Teddy Park Garden
where an impromptu maariv minyan
was held prior to the start of the speeches and show.
The lights and music
and speeches were projected on the walls
for the tens of thousands gathered on the streets to view.
Lights
changed with each song,
and the fireworks
ended with drones writing ‘Jerusalem’ in the sky.
The most exclusive view was from Bet Shmuel,
but the crowds standing on the surrounding streets
audibly appreciated the sounds and the lights and more.
This was an event where photos could not capture the moments.
Listen to one of the songs to give you an idea of what you missed.
Now off to see more Yom Yerushalayim celebrations,
as flags, singing and dancing fill the Jerusalem streets.