Today the large French and Israeli flags were coming down.
They had been hung for a show of unity with France,
as Israeli leaders,
along with French Ecology Minister Segolene Royal,
joined thousands of mourners in attending the funeral yesterday
at Givat Shaul Cemetery in Jerusalem, Israel.
The road leading to the cemetery was closed
and traffic was backing up with unhappy drivers.
But the special free shuttle buses had a police escort
and went around the stopped vehicles.
Security lined the roads
and much of the cemetery.
Free water bottles were piled high in several locations.
International media and TV cameras were set.
Crowds tried to get past guards to enter,
but only those with invitations were allowed to pass.
Here a family member was carrying a talit,
which is used to cover the body before burial.
There were a few signs
in the crowd,
one with the faces and names of four men murdered,
because they were Jews,
Yohan Cohen,
Yoav Hattab,
Philippe Braham,
Francois-Michel Saada,
and Israeli flags.
Immediate mourners and dignitaries were behind barriers,
inside other barriers.
Everyone rose when the Chief Rabbi entered,
and many stopped him to kiss his hand.
One by one Zaka members carried in the men,
murdered in terror attack in Paris, France on erev Shabbat.
Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat escorted a family member,
who lit a flame and spoke.
The Chief Rabbis,
Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin,
French Minister Segolene Royal,
and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
spoke in a protected area where only a special photographer
could get a photo without distorted reflections.
It was a sad day,
for all involved.
Inside the main area it did not seem like so many people came,
but upon leaving it was obvious that thousands could not get in.
They filled the streets as they filed out slowly.
Waiting shuttle buses returned us to town,
where more signs lined the Jerusalem, Israel streets.
Sadly, Jerusalem has had large funerals before
and has learned how to prepare for the huge crowds.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if this was the last one
for innocent people murdered by terrorists?
Yes it would be wonderful if this was the last one…sadly I am afraid we are only at the beginning of the madness….
How very sad. Unfortunately this madness is not going to stop it can anywhere.
Too many do not acknowledge the source of this madness, so how can they stop it?
As long as 15% of French support Al-Qaeda or Daish, we are should indeed expect more.
Thank you Sharon for your very moving photos. You give us the feeling that we were there and could participate in the sadness.
Shifra and binyamin
Though I “liked” your post, I do not really “like” photos of a funeral. I’m sure you know what I mean. You have brought the tragedy to us who are not there. Barriers behind barriers…
When will the killing end? When will the world cry out for the spilling of Jewish blood?
Sorry to have to post funeral photos, but that is what was really happening this past week. Hope to have much better news to share this coming week.
Thank you for giving us a window into where many of us cannot be. You just show us, without any private interpretation of the events, and that is also very much appreciated.
This post is among the many that have been included in Shiloh Musings: Havel Havelim, וָאֵרָא Va’era, And I Appeared…. this week’s edition of the international Jewish bloggers carnival, a weekly round-up of interesting and varied posts.
Please look at the other posts, too, comment and share. Also, you’re invited to get more involved in our blogging community.
Shavua Tov, Have a Wonderful Week!
Thanks