May in Jerusalem, Israel, is when the weather goes from winter to summer, seemingly overnight.
One day you need boots and the next sandals and a hat to protect you from the sun.
The universities announce their honorees as their boards arrive for meetings.
Even with the war for over a year and a half, these annual events seem to be happening.
It’s “back to normal.”
For the arrival of US Ambassador Mike Huckabee, many mega-welcome events have taken place.

One was at the Friends of Zion Museum on Tuesday night, with Israeli flags lining the way for guests.

The FoZ Media Center was packed as Ambassador Huckabee received the Friend of Zion award menorah.

He ended his remarks – “After being in Israel so many times and going home, this time I am home.”

He also complimented his US Embassy staff, who have kept things going with multiple ambassadors, especially Deputy Head of Mission Stephanie Hallett, who was in the audience with her husband.

Omer Shem Tov and his family were also smiling. Omer, kidnapped on October 7, shared his ordeal: “I was 505 days in Gaza in captivity. When I was there, my belief in G-D came so strong, every day I woke up and thanked G-D that I have air in my lungs, a little food on my plate, and that my family is safe in Israel.”

However, also speaking at the event was Ilan Dalal, the father of Guy Gilboa Dalal, who was kidnapped from the Nova festival. He is still being held captive by Hamas, and his parents fight on for his release.

“Free the hostages now,” is hard to ignore on many Jerusalem streets.

But at the same time, signs are up for Education Week in Jerusalem, May 18-22, 2025.

The Jerusalem International Writers Festival and Book Forum is set for May 19-22.

And first, this week is the National Library of Israel’s Conference: Marking 20 Years of the Historical Jewish Press Project, held over three days at the new campus.

On May 14, Israel Forever Foundation is to host a ‘Declaration Day’ celebration in Jerusalem.

Large flags are still flying from private buildings as Jerusalem Day is to be celebrated on May 26th.

Some flags this year have a yellow ribbon in the blue star.

In Jerusalem, one has to move mountains of stone to build roads and the light rail.

It is good to see the May flowers along the Jerusalem streets to brighten the days.

But beware, with Lag B’Omer this week, the risk for fires from uncontrolled bonfires is huge.
Next year in Jerusalem.
Am Yisrael Chai!