In Jerusalem, more is happening than elections

Sharon A

For the Israeli elections, the campaigning is over. Phone calls have stopped.

The President will meet with the official parties to try to put together a coalition government.

However, other things were happening on the Jerusalem streets besides politics.

On a sunny, quiet afternoon, I walked to the Jerusalem Theater.

The vast lobbies were empty, and it was easy to view the art in the various galleries.

Large pieces were on display here,

and on the other side of the main lobby were Helmets 4 Chayalim.

I had missed the opening of this exhibit in September, but got there just in time before it was removed.

The galleries are rotated regularly, and this one was already being prepared for a November opening.

There is no fee to enter and wander around to see the art. A perfect location for a quiet day.

What a contrast to the loud events on the night before the October 27 elections.

No, not campaigning on the Jerusalem streets

But rather two Torah dedications in the same location.

One Hachnasat Sefer Torah was in memory of fallen soldiers Ben Zussman, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Aner Shapira, Yitzhar Hoffman, Michael Gal-David, Elyashiv Eitan Wieder, Eitan Oster, Yuval Shoham, and Hagai Lev HYD.

 The Children’s Flag Parade went from the corner of Tchernichovsky and Rav Chen Streets to Luria School in Katamon, Jerusalem.

Family members and friends carried the Torah under the talit canopy, walking to music and a drum.

Young families and supporters proceeded up the stairs to the school where the newly dedicated Torah would be read in their Shabbat services. Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion arrived near the end of the celebration to speak.

And right across the street, the doors of Chabad were wide open for their new Torah dedication.

The scribe carefully finished off the last letters.

The sponsoring family gathered around the table where the silver crown and new mantle (cover) were waiting.

For this one, the celebration van was lit up and led the Torah procession.

Carrying the Torah under the canopy to the Chabad synagogue.

Not alone, the two Torahs came out to greet the new one.

Shofars joined the procession as it proceeded inside.

Here’s a short video that photos could not capture.

Torah dedications often take place on the streets of Jerusalem.

However, two in the same location, at the same time, was a first.

The new signs are up for the November events.

From a Jerusalem International Animation Festival to a pop-up on Shushan Street.

You never know what will happen next on the Jerusalem streets.

October 12-16: see what was happening on the Jerusalem streets

Sharon A

The Jerusalem streets are constantly changing.

The old and new blend and contrast throughout the city.

It had been 5 years since seeing the Schneller Compound in May 2021.

Finally returned to the area and marveled at the changes.

New buildings were still going up in the compound.

Sadly, we went to pay a shiva visit to a dear friend’s family.

With memories of good times shared, we headed home.

As before, archaeologists check the sites before the new construction begins.

So many awards in only a few days!

Israel Bonds received a Presidential Medal in honor of its 75th anniversary.

The event was at Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s Residence.

International leaders of Israel Bonds were present.

Did you know that, in 75 years and with so many challenges, Israel Bonds has never defaulted?

They are an investment, not a donation. I remember getting them as a child in the US.

It was a much quieter event than the civilian awards to the six flydubai heroes with so much media.

 Israel Bonds Global President and CEO Dani Naveh and U.S. and International Chairman Andrew M. Hutter received the award from President Isaac Herzog.

Another award ceremony was held at the Jerusalem Theater for the Global Jewish Educators Summit.

Eight international educators received certificates and monetary prizes.

The Jerusalem Theater was filled with international delegates along with friends and families of the winners.

The event was hosted by Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichi Chickli.

President Isaac Herzog attended and spoke.

But of all the speakers, Miriam Perez gave the most moving and powerful remarks.

Then Friday morning it was back to Beit Hanasi for another awards ceremony.

I passed a bride out for wedding photos on a Jerusalem street near the shopping area.

You never know what’s next on the Jerusalem streets.

At Beit Hanasi was the Save a Child’s Heart (SACH) award ceremony.

Imagine having to wait in a long security line and finding people you know.

Finding out they were involved 30 years ago when SACH began!

The SACH leaders and doctors posed for photos before the ceremony.

This beautiful 7-month-old baby received treatment in Israel and is ready to return home.

Her mother does not speak English or Hebrew and was accompanied by a translator.

SACH children and volunteers were prepared to pose with the Herzogs.

African Ambassadors attended and were welcomed by the President and his wife, Michal.

However, my favorite photos were the ones with the children and the Herzogs interacting.

Another special award ceremony with a different guest list of sponsors and friends.

The President spoke, and when the program ended, it was time to get home to prepare for Shabbat.

Jerusalem signs are up to prepare for winter.

But the temperatures have been warm, and the flowers along Jerusalem streets are colorful.

What a week it was, with so many awards for good people doing good things.

Hope to see you soon on the Jerusalem streets!

In Jerusalem, after the holidays is conference time

Sharon A

It’s that time of year Israelis have been talking about for weeks, some even for months.

It’s “achrei hachagim” – after the holidays.

The holiday meal planning takes a break until Hanukkah.

The nights in Jerusalem are cooler.

The autumn sunsets are colorful wonders of nature.

On the Jerusalem streets, the Sukkot palm branches are out to be collected.

This year, adding to the busy conference and event season, the Israeli elections are scheduled for October 27.

October 4

A full house attended the Israel365 News Conference – Knesset Elections Town Hall at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center.

Rabbi Pesach Wolicki, Editorial Director and Senior Political Analyst for Israel 365 News, moderated the event.

Two panels of English-speaking candidates for the 26th Knesset represented their parties.

Each of the ten spoke passionately for their varied positions.

Were they able to influence the audience to change their minds and vote for them?

I think many voters are still having a hard time deciding. I know I am. More photos HERE

One thing for certain: don’t take walking or driving on Jerusalem streets for granted.

Changes seem to happen overnight. Get to a corner you know, and where to go?

October 7

Ceremonies started on Monday, with major events held north and south.

Sharing memories RJS –100 Days from Jerusalem to the South and North.

October 8

On Thursday, a special event at Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s Residence, honored flydubai’s flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv heroes.

President Issac Herzog honored six Israeli heroes who saved the flight from catastrophe.

The honorees and their wives, seated in the front row, rose as the President and his wife Michal entered.

One of dozens of hugs at that feel-good event was the President with Asaf Rajuan.

Justice Elyakim Rubinstein, chairman of the award advisory board, said “mazel tov.”

Matan Hasan provided the musical entertainment.

Or Bardilov was the sixth awardee who helped to stop the Omani co-pilot from crashing the plane into Ben Gurion Airport.

The dentist Dr. Shota Musayev has become well known for helping the injured captain stop bleeding.

The couple Tali Manes and Zvika Manes received the award together.

Their daughter, who was in the right place at the right time, received special attention.

And of course, Yaniv Hayoun, the plumber from Ness Ziona, became a celebrity overnight for his actions in the cockpit.

I don’t remember so much media, so many photographers present for recent events.

Not everyone with a camera phone was a pro. This over six-foot-tall guy was often in my way.

Camera. Selfies. Smiles and hugs galore. More photos HERE


President Isaac Herzog mentioned Indian Captain Smit Machchhar, expressing the deep gratitude of the State of Israel for his exceptional courage and determination in steering the flydubai aircraft to safety and averting catastrophe for the 174 passengers.

When Smit is well enough to come to Jerusalem, he is also to receive the Presidential Civilian Hero Award.

Three years since October 7, where are we today?

That was the theme of the Michael Levin Base Gala, which was held that night at the Jerusalem Theater.

Former IDF spokesperson Jonathan Cornicus was a featured speaker.

The first panel was with Tila Falic Levi, Yaakov Katz, and Joseph Cohen.

The second panel, led by Michael Dickson, was with Diane Neal, Fleur Hassan Nahoum, Adir Schwartz, and Nitza Darshani-Leitner.

Richard Corman was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award.

There were more speakers, special mentions, and awards.

But I want to highlight Panama’s Ambassador Ezra Cohen and his wife. They attend so many events, always with a smile and a positive message.

I told him I had seen him in the livestream from the Davidson Center in the Old City the night before.

The Eagles Wings and Ambassador Program, with over 1,200 Christian leaders, community leaders, and influencers from over 115 countries, participated in the Friends of Zion Ambassador Summit. Their buses were on the Jerusalem streets and toured north and south.

Oh, these Jerusalem streets. Can you imagine King George Street being closed?

The old and new coming together in Jerusalem: the old #1 police station and new light rail on Jaffa Street.

I took time to walk to Beit Hanasi.

I stopped and admired these flowers on the way.

With multiple conferences all week, it was impossible to be everywhere. Here was only a brief taste of what was happening.

This coming week, there are more conferences and events at the same time.

It’s after the chagim!

Things are happening on the Jerusalem streets.