When we lived in Boston, what a surprise it was to learn that there was a holiday in February for Presidents’ Week. February was a time to go skiing. While five years ago, snow fell in Jerusalem in February, this year temperatures during the day have been warm, at least when the sun came out! So much rain this year, but there are signs of spring.
After the almond blossoms burst out, other fruit trees are now blooming – as are allergies from various pollens.
Flowers are appearing. The lilies in the pond at the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens are starting to open.
Another sure sign of spring, the birds on a nice day chirp away, before dawn.
Those early wake-up calls at 4:14 am are not appreciated.
The annual spring OurCrowd Global Investor Summit has grown bigger and better.
International registration was reported at 23,000 people from 183 countries.
Get up and Ride, the UpnRide was one of many booths. I mentioned how I saw it used at OurCrowd first. It was so amazing to see a person bound to a wheelchair standing at the buffet table.
And there was Amir Gofer again explaining his amazing invention!
What a shame Christopher Reeves died too soon to benefit from this Israeli technology.
February in Jerusalem means the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations is back for its 46th Annual National Leadership mission. On opening night PM Netanyahu spoke in the Inbal Hotel ballroom.
Monday morning President Rivlin addressed the delegates and invited guests. He was presented with a piece of art as a gift by new CEO William Daroff, with Malcolm Hoenlein and Arthur Stark posing for the photo op.
President Rivlin took off soon after for a long-anticipated trip to Australia. First, he stopped in LA to get the key to the city, then on to Fiji on the way to the Land of Oz.
The Conference of Presidents used to have a printed schedule for their program. This year there is an app which is for delegates only. “We’re back” was all Hoenlein would say on the record about their trip to Saudia Arabia last week. Much of this week is filled with meetings with Israeli leaders, and some off the record, but a few more photos here.
But as for the real streets, the municipality wants to clean up not only the streets but the air too. Signs are up. Warnings are out. Fines and enforcement are to be increased. In the campaign to clean up Jerusalem, citations will be served for littering and not cleaning up after your dog.
As for the old dog park in Gan Sacher, Sacher Park, finally, all the tents are gone and the Leningrad Memorial is visible. I will spare you dozens of photos from the construction mess in Gan Sacher, but they will have to work quickly before the Jerusalem Marathon next month.
The Leningrad Memorial in Gan Sacher is across the road from this memorial for fallen soldiers defending Jerusalem, which is located next to the Supreme Court.
Land is at a premium in Jerusalem. Every centimeter is scrutinized. Here a parking garage rises to the sky.
Small old buildings are being renovated and redone daily.
Oh and the streets! When they are completed these sidewalks should be nice. But now?
Some streets are parking lots part of the day as construction stops traffic. All traffic. Pedestrians are not sure where and how to cross to avoid all the equipment.
They are almost done here, an important part of the Jerusalem Marathon route.
These streets will be filled with runners on Friday, March 20, 2020.
At least we did get our bus stop back.
This was a pleasant surprise. Along the new bike path, there is a tire pump available.
On the Jerusalem streets, always something to surprise. Spontaneous music and dancing.
There are also planned winter musical performances at the end of February.
A first, an international conference on violence prevention education.
Spring means strange faces appear in the Machane Yehuda Market, the shuk.
Purim holiday masks and hats are on display.
Costumes for children and adults, with unicorns big this year.
Hamantashen were piled up high. It is interesting that they are packaged and not out in open.
Ah, Jerusalem, Israel, in February, spring, and Purim is around the corner,
and Jerusalem lights up on Bezalel Street.