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Nothing Keeps the Conference of Presidents from Jerusalem Streets

Sharon A

There is a common adage that despite missiles, blasts, and attacks the Jerusalem streets keep going.

But the threat of snow in Jerusalem, Israel, shuts them down.

On the morning of October 7, 2023, my son was to be honored in a synagogue a mile from where I live. During the loud siren warnings along the way, I stopped and waited.

I got there only to be told, services were canceled – “We are at war.”

During the “stabbing intifada,” I was out and about without pepper spray.

However, last week in the cold rain and today with the threat of snow, I am at home.

Of course, the weather in Jerusalem would be considered spring-like compared to some places we lived, but those grey clouds are enough to curb my enthusiasm for walking on the streets that are always under construction.

This past week was the 50th mission of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations which has been going for 70 years as the united voice for American Jewry.

These missions have come to Israel during wartimes and COVID-19 during the third week of February.

Stephanie L. Hallett serves as the Chargé d’Affaires again at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Minister-Counselor, she has filled in over the past few years as the US Ambassador to Israel has changed. She spoke to the opening dinner.

Security was at a new high level for the Prime Minister to arrive and speak to the delegation.

Ofir Akunis the Israeli Consul General in New York since May 2024 was in Jerusalem, Israel, for the dinner. He posed with two of my friends who have been attending this event for many years.

The session I feel is important was open to media this year. Did you see it covered anywhere?

This year the startups and innovation session was under the “Resilience Panel” led by AMIT staff.

From virtual reality group therapy sessions

to an innovative system for sleep apnea,

the new ideas to help those with PTSD after these long days were fascinating.

The mission spent little time in the Inbal Hotel with private visits to the Knesset and trips north and south.

Reuven Rivlin at 50th mission of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish

However, former President Ruvi Rivlin was a special guest on Tuesday night.

One noticeable difference, the number of female US leaders was much larger than in the past.

Parents of Avera Mengistu at dinner CoP to raise awareness of their son held captive 3 years by Hamas

Remembering the family of Avera Mengistu who came in 2018 to appeal for their son’s release from Hamas in Gaza. They finally got their prayers answered, after not 505 days, but over 10 years.

With new signs posted on the Jerusalem streets for March events and the new month of Adar and Purim, hope it’s a good time to get out again to share what’s new and happening on the Jerusalem streets.

Jerusalem a City of Continuing Constant Contrasts

Sharon A

Another week in Jerusalem, Israel, filled with euphoric highs and painful lows.

Plus a few constants thrown in to keep us on track as we move forward.

Sign for Jerusalem Washington Street.

During the third week of February, the week of US President’s Day, it’s time to share a Jerusalem street sign for George Washington Street near the other US President – Abraham Lincoln Street.

Tu Bishvat was this past week, in the US it was celebrated by receiving a buksor (carob) pod. In Jerusalem, hundreds of pods littered the ground under the carob trees.

Tu Bishvat and the almond blossoms were bursting out on trees along Jerusalem streets.

It was good to get to the Botanical Gardens and the Japanese Pagoda in time to see the cherry blossoms.

A favorite sign of spring is the wildflowers popping up in nature spots.

Even better to see them in the new growth in the area below the Israel Museum destroyed by fire.

Overcast windy days are good for getting photos of the flags at the Knesset. However, there were no big celebrations for the Tu Bishvat this year. The Knesset’s first session was on Tu Bishvat and a major celebration on the 50th year at this site was nine years ago.

This year an empty chair sits in the Knesset corridor waiting for the hostages to come home.

The anguished screams of relatives who come each day are too painful to share.

In contrast, the silence next to the Knesset is the Bird Observatory still empty during the day.

By the Memorial Candle in Gan Sacher, the wreaths for the end of January commemoration of the siege of Leningrad were wilting. The world is very different than it was 5 years ago when it was dedicated.

Though Tu Bishvat is thought to be a sign of spring, much of the Jerusalem weather was wet and cold.

However, this young man seemed to enjoy the pool of water at one construction site.

So many areas are under construction for the light rail, that it is hard to walk on the Jerusalem streets.

Most seats were reserved Thursday evening at Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s Residence.

Supreme Court Judges and the over-filled audience in the room rose as the President entered.

President Isaac Herzog signed the document appointing the new head of the Supreme Court Yitzhak Amit, as Amit looked on from the podium to the right side of the official table.

The previous heads of the Supreme Court posed for a photo after the speeches.

All judges are sworn in at Beit Hanasi, including Shariah Law Qadis.

The audience, filled with the judiciary, was warm and receptive, and the largest in my memory.

However, outside, the protesters were loud enough to be heard during the speeches. Not everyone was pleased with the Supreme Court selection, and the Prime Minister and Justice Minister did not attend.

Have you seen the Iron Swords War Memorial in Commemoration of Jerusalem and those fallen?

It’s a new monument near the Knesset across from the National Library and has their names engraved inside.

Next to the momument to the fallen is a new children’s park.

After Shabbat, people were walking and running to prepare for the Jerusalem Marathon on 4/4/25.

Most protests speeches and gatherings with singing are in Tel Aviv all these months. A night event for the return of hostages is planned for Kikar Safra, Safra Square, on Thursday night February 20, 2025.

Jerusalem is planning to celebrate Women’s Month in Jerusalem with a list of open houses.

The days and nights with highs and lows continue.

Life continues in Jerusalem, Israel.

Hope to see you soon on The Real Jerusalem Streets.

See if you Missed These 5 Things in Jerusalem

Sharon A

One thing Jerusalem, Israel, does not lack is a slow news day.

The cycle of events whirls by so quickly it is hard to keep up.

This week it seemed as if we were on fast speed with highs and lows.

Jerusalem streets were a mess from road construction closings. Then the spring-like weather came to an end. Winter rains pounded down and heavy winds slowed traffic to a crawl.

However, as always, more was happening on the Jerusalem streets.

Here is what you may have missed…

KNESSET at NIGHT

It had been a long time since I had been at the Knesset at night, the new blue lighting was impressive.

Across the road, the new entrance to the Wohl Rose Garden was also impressive.

“United we will win” plus yellow ribbons on the Knesset, and a list of no-nos greet you.

There was a special showing of the movie “CENTERED: Joe Lieberman” hosted by MK Ohad Tal.

Oh, how, we could use some politicians with his moral compass now, in the US and Israel.

WESTERN WALL NEW TOUR

It was a glorious day in the sunshine on the Jerusalem streets.

New soldiers were at Jaffa Gate and around the Old City. Always amazed how for many it is their first experience in Jerusalem and going to the Kotel, Western Wall, and learning the history.

The Western Wall Heritage Foundation has added new a audio-visual event for tourists.

It is fast-moving to capture the attention of young visitors, as the center changes with historical periods.

The visuals changed from the foundation stone to the Roman expulsion to modern times.

From the newest high tech, we went down to the oldest of levels of Jerusalem streets.

Not open to the public yet, these areas are being carefully excavated by archeologists, bit by bit.

The earliest levels are being exposed under the Western Wall Plaza.

Not under the Temple Mount, but in the areas near it, built over the millennia.

An old Ottoman area home is being exposed,

with interesting stones on the walls

and a place for a mezuzah on the doorpost.

When the tour opens it will be another fascinating look at the history of Jerusalem.

From the roof of the building, there was a clear view of the structural work being done on the plaza.

New supports must be laid to keep the current ground level stable with the underground excavations.

The Great Bridge Tour has been developed since my last visit in 2021 during Hanukkah.

The Roman theater and walkways improved,

but the draw and wonder of the ancient stones is eternal.

Near the end of the tour is a stop at the Western Wall Synagogue.

It is an impressive place to pray on Shabbat and holidays.

KOSOVO EMBASSY

The Kosovo Embassy hosted its annual International Holocaust Remembrance Day with the participation of Yad Vashem, marking 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz. A survivor and her family were highlighted with the launch of their new biographical book.

SHAON HOREF

The Jerusalem streets near Kikar Safra, Jerusalem’s City Hall Plaza are usually deserted after dark on the winter cold nights. The Shaon Horef— Winter Noise Festival attempts to entice people to come to Jerusalem streets on Mondays nights during the winter.

Shushan Street was the first venue on the first February Monday night with lights and music playing.

There are 4 more Monday nights, the last on March 3, 2025, each based on a different Jerusalem street.

In the past I got a shot glass, this year colorful stickers were the giveaway.

The festival is aimed to draw young Israelis to explore lesser-known Jerusalem streets and eat and drink

However, on the Jerusalem streets, while you can tour, eat, drink, and celebrate, reminders of October 7 and the hostages are always a few steps away.

Next Year in Jerusalem for all.

Am Yisrael Chai!