The news cycle is changing so fast that it is hard to keep up today.
In Jerusalem and most of Israel, we woke to a warning notice followed by a siren to take shelter.
The US had bombed Fordow, the Iranian underground nuclear center.
Severe damage and injuries are reported as Iran’s regime aims powerful ballistic and cluster bombs at Israeli cities and civilians daily.
Israel has been preparing for attacks by building shelters in new buildings. Here the underground hospital section of Hadassah Hospital Gandel Rehabilitation Center was ready for a Hanukkah celebration.
Today it is full and operating efficiently.
Shelters have been placed along southern roads and bus stops for safety.
In Sderot, shelters near schools are decorated to be welcoming to young children.
Hundreds of new shelters are being delivered to various vulnerable locations.
Following the Homefront Command updates is important, they change with the situation.
On Thursday, the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum reopened to the public in full coordination with the Home Front Command and the Ministry of Culture and Sport.
The Museum operated during its regular opening hours. All gallery spaces throughout the site serve as reinforced, secure areas, in full compliance with the latest security guidelines.
The Museum was the first cultural institution to reopen on October 9th in 2023.
Soon after, I was honored to be the first to take photos of a bat mitzvah girl who was evacuated from the south. Again, the Tower of David was a first to be reopened for the general public.
The new Tower of David Jerusalem Museum brings the rich history of Jerusalem to life in one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Located at the Jaffa Gate just across from the Mamilla Mall, it offers new immersive exhibitions in beautifully restored spaces, and a unique blend of archaeology, innovation, and storytelling. The newly accessible Museum works for children, adults, and senior citizens.
With the allowed 30 in a room at any one time, they followed the regulations.
Today, businesses and museums are again closed due to an increased threat
So sharing here a video with some of the new technology displayed on the stone wall.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong Jerusalemite, the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum offers a meaningful and inspiring gateway to the city’s past, present, and future.
A video of David’s wars has more views. But with plenty of war around us, it seemed a more tranquil section of the Tower of David Night Show would be appreciated.
The National Library of Israel in Jerusalem has been closed since October 13, 2025.
The main reading room is open with lots of light and glass.
However, the stacks are well below ground and designed to be protected.
Once again, the most valuable items were stored way for safety.
Following the IDF Homefront Command’s country-wide siren announcing the IDF strikes on Iranian targets at 3:30 am on Friday, June 13, the Library’s security, conservation, and logistics teams, together with CEO Oren Weinberg and Board Chair Sallai Meridor, arrived at the Library to dismantle the treasures housed in the William Davidson Permanent Exhibition Gallery, the Helen Diller Family Rotating Exhibition Gallery, and the David Berg Foundation Rotunda Gallery.
Carefully, manuscripts, rare books, musical scores, archives, and were moved underground into climate-controlled vaults.
As in previous serious attacks, April 13 and October 1, 2024, and mainly on October 7, 2023, when staff rushed to the building despite unknown unfolding danger — the Library demonstrated its steadfast commitment to safeguarding the treasures of Jewish, Israeli, and world heritage, preserving and protecting these invaluable resources for generations to come.
UPDATED to clarify:
With schools closed due to the war, the NLI building is closed, and content and activities for all ages are available online. English-language content is available at www.nli.org.il/en
So there you have it, a brief review from the real Jerusalem streets.
Before we too have to go again to a shelter for safety.
Hoping for better news next time.
Amy Yisrael Chai!
Thanks for your informative ‘street’ guide.
Thanks for reading and commenting!
Thank you for today’s beautiful message that truly shows “what Israel is all about.”
Thank you for an encouraging comment in these difficult times.
Ah, I feel as if I’ve had a brief Jerusalem tour, even though I’m spending most of my time (like most of my fellow Israelis) staying very close to home. Thank you for keeping us updated, and for bringing us on these virtual adventures. I pray for the day when we will once again feel safe and comfortable taking buses to the City and walking the holy streets of Jerusalem in joy and wonder and in peace.
AMEN. Would be so good to see you again, been way too long.
What a great post! Loved reading and loved your pictures!
Nili Thank you so much!
Thank you for your updates even in these difficult times.
I always look forward to reading your ” Real Jerusalem Streets”.
Eleanor Breslau
( a friend of a friend)
Thank you very much for this encouraging comment Eleanor.
So exceedingly helpful. with so many plans for our bat mitzvah granddaughters trip in the air, at least I know we can go to the Tower of David exhibit, if the buses are running and Pikud Ha’Oref allow it.
The website for the NLI will be interesting.
Always full of helpful information, thank you and glad you are not traveling about
Bayle
Thanks always something happening in Jerusalem, Israel, just hoping for more sleep and less fireworks.
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