Jerusalem 6 Months After Forced into the October War

Sitting down to do a weekly post it’s impossible today not to mention last night.

Iran’s attack on Israel overnight, 331 missiles were launched, including:

185 surface-to-surface missiles, 36 cruise missiles, and 110 ballistic missiles. Plus 180 drones for good measure.

All were intercepted except for 7 of the ballistic missiles.

Jerusalem, Israel had its share of interceptions, with one loud siren warning in the middle of the night..

So tired today that my watch ended up in the washing machine for a full cycle.

Surprisingly good news, it has the correct time and is still working!

Since October 7, the cloud formations at sunrise and sunset have been amazing.

A memorial event was held for Lucy Dee and her daughters murdered by terrorists on October 7, 2023.

Rabbi Shlomo Katz joined Rabbi Leo Dee in the new social hall in Efrat in memory of Lucy Dee.

Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi spoke brilliantly as usual.

The hall was crowded to the max with friends and family and for words of Torah, comfort, and song.

The military cemetery in Gush Etzion has grown too crowded these past 6 months.

The new bright colors of spring flowers in Jerusalem offer contrast to lives lost too soon.

Rosh Chodesh Nissan has long been a time for anticipating spring and new life.

This past week a special Women’s Rosh Chodesh event was held at the Yeshurun Central Synagogue.

Hundreds of women and girls filled the sanctuary to hear Sivan Rahat Meir speak.

And join the main event –the musical Women Unite in Prayer – Hallel Nissan – Ricka Razel.

For those who love to hear women singing and celebrating – YouTube HERE

Afterward, walking on Keren Hayesod Street I noticed a new sign for US offices,

and for a new place to eat (and drink) that just opened.

And while stopping to speak with a long-time friend, it started to rain!

Spring rain is good for the new flowers, this Jerusalem flower bed now has two yellow ribbons.

The lions were bright yellow on Friday in the Old City.

Hundreds of children, parents, and grandparents attended special events before the Passover holiday.

It was also Eid al Fitr and hundreds of Muslim families were out near Jaffa Gate on their way to Old City,

and in Mamilla Mall celebrating the end of Ramadan.

So life goes on in Jerusalem, shopping and preparing the Passover, but under the constant reminder of the hostages who are still in captivity to come home and the threat from Hamas and Iran.

Day or night, highlights and beauty abound on the Jerusalem streets.

8 thoughts on “Jerusalem 6 Months After Forced into the October War

  • April 14, 2024 at 1:43 pm
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    Oh Sharon…how absolutely ‘trying’ for you all. Words are not enough…sending thoughts of comfort…and of strength…am Yisrael Chai…may it always be so…thank you for your pictures, as always…and your caring…

    Reply
    • April 14, 2024 at 1:49 pm
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      Hannah as always thank you for your kind words.

      Reply
  • April 14, 2024 at 2:49 pm
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    Sharon, this post so amazingly shows the juxtaposition of seemingly contradictory emotions and thoughts. What a scary night last night! Iyh that should be the end of their rockets and missiles. We are Iyh booked to come to Israel, arriving Sunday evening. We are spending pesach with our daughter and family at the citadel. In the meantime, I am doing some pesach prep here at home in the event we are not able to come, Chas ve’shalom.
    Wishing you a Chag kasher ve’sameach.
    Esther

    Reply
    • April 14, 2024 at 4:31 pm
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      Hope to see you hear! Please get in touch when you have a few minutes free! So far our plans are very low key.

      Reply
  • April 14, 2024 at 5:04 pm
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    Your watch must be a Timex! (remember the ad? “Still ticking”)
    חג כשר ושמח
    Stay safe and all the best,
    Debora

    Reply
    • April 14, 2024 at 6:31 pm
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      not a Timex, but that is what my husband said before he called the jeweler – who said beware of water inside would rust it. Figure if that was worst problem today, not so terrible. Shavua tov

      Reply
  • April 15, 2024 at 3:35 am
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    Sharon, as always, love to get a glimpse inside the most amazing Jerusalem streets . Thank you for your photos, insights, and comments keeping us connected to you and Jerusalem! Let’s hope for a chag kasher v’sameach for all

    Reply
    • April 15, 2024 at 5:01 am
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      Tannis, Thank you! Chag sameach to you and your family!

      Reply

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