The Real Jerusalem Streets

Eight years?

It has been eight years since I left Israel to go overseas. I, too, was one of the millions who decided it was time to travel again. It was good to go to the US for a happy occasion and see so many relatives and friends again.

However, I was even happier arriving safely back at Ben Gurion Airport.

Back on the Jerusalem streets in time to see President Herzog depart to the Kingdom of Bahrain, to be the first Israeli head of state to visit Bahrain, on a State Visit at the invitation of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Oh, the things I saw in America during the shopping sale days

before Thanksgiving and Black Friday crowds.

Glitter and glitz and gifts galore, “Let it glow” next to “Mint to be” caught my eye in one of the bigger stores with endless merchandise.

While back on the Jerusalem streets, the new orange recycling bins are out.

Though with the World Cup Mondiale going on in Qatar – football or soccer – was much more important in many homes and on the Jerusalem streets.

Plenty of Israeli flags and late-night youth events as “Chodesh Irgun” came to a close, a month of intense youth group activities kept families busy.

On a walk in the midday sunshine after a long flight and being away, I stopped to read all the new posters for some of the upcoming events.

Hanukkah is in two weeks and the preparations are underway.

In celebration of India’s 75th anniversary as an independent state, the Israel Museum is holding a new display, Body of Faith: Sculpture from the National Museum of India.

There is a ride available, but I like the long walk to enter the Museum.

There was Indian music at the opening night reception.

Kosher wine was served, with the kosher Indian food, which went too fast for me to get a photograph, but I was able to grab a few items to taste.

Celebrating India’s art and independence, President Isaac Herzog spoke to

the assembled guests in the museum’s theater auditorium.

The Ambassador of India, Mr. Sanjeev Singla, also spoke at the opening of the new display at the Israel Museum.

The Indian dancers who performed during the program posed near the exhibition upstairs as the exhibit was officially opened.

Going up the stairs quickly, I was able to get a photograph of the main room before it became crowded with visitors.

Entitled, Body of Faith, Sculpture from the National Museum in India, these rare pieces exemplify ancient religious art.

“Shiva as the Lord of Dance” Tamil Nadu, Southern India, Chola dynasty, (ca.300 BCE-1279) 12th-century bronze piece is on loan from the National Museum in New Delhi.

Fourteen of these historic pieces are seen in Israel for the first time in this important diplomatic and cultural exchange.

India is celebrating 75 years as an established state. Israel’s 75th is coming up soon. There are many important partnerships.

Walking away from the upper floor of the Israel Museum on such a beautiful night I had to stop and take some photos.

As I walked outside down the stairs, marveling how others were missing the spectacular sights, but happy not to have them in my photos.

The Israel Museum any night is lovely and it was good to be home.

Then I noticed the dome of the Shrine of Book was lit purple, one of the Israeli sites marking International Day of Disabled People (IDDP), a global event to promote inclusion and advocate for the rights of disabled people.

Good to be back on the Jerusalem streets. But hoping to see the Jerusalem streets more inclusive. While the Old City is now wheelchair accessible, the elevator is still in the future. We still have a long way to go. I hope you can see for yourself soon.