Jerusalem Day and Night – See What’s New

Another week flew by on the Jerusalem streets.

And as usual, with highs and lows, and unexpected encounters and happenings.

Today sharing photos you probably did not see, or at least I never saw reported.

The week began with perfect spring-like weather.

The YMCA Jerusalem stone tower against the blue sky with wisps of clouds and blossoms on the trees – the beautiful Jerusalem colors that inspired The Real Jerusalem Streets and logo.

At the YMCA at night, Ramadan is celebrated. The month-long Muslim holiday ends March 30th with Eid el Fitr.

I met across the street from the YMCA at the King David Hotel with Wanda Peretz to hear about her new book “The Ceiling.”

The Jerusalem Theater was lit with special lights on Tuesday night for the Mayor’s Volunteer Awards.

I went as a long-time volunteer helping lone soldiers and supporter of The Michael Levin Base.

Pleased to see that another non-profit I did volunteer work for was also recognized. Tenufa Bakehila, helps low-income families improve their homes and lives.

I remember one woman who exclaimed, “I feel like a bride!” seeing her new “after” kitchen.

As at every program, the murdered and hostages since October 7 were remembered.

By the security entrance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MFA, are more of those faces and a “Bring them home” banner.

Inside, the briefing in English by the MFA spokesperson became timely as new missile attacks and fighting started again, with sirens in Jerusalem, as well as huge sections of Israel.

What I really wanted to know was – who were the government limousines lined up waiting to transport?

It has been a while since I was inside the MFA and do not remember the fish pond. It was a good spot to stop and talk with a group of US Mayors touring Israel before they went inside.

The real streets include prolonged protest sites which I usually avoid and leave for others. However, this one has been set up near the Knesset against the government from before the war.

Walking from the MFA calming fish pond it was on my way home. Everyone I know wants the war to end and all the hostages returned. The question is how to accomplish it.

The week ended with cold wet weather. But even with the grey sky, there was bright color if you look.

The finish line for the International Jerusalem Marathon, to be held on April 4, 2025, was up over this Jerusalem street. Tens of thousands are expected to run in the various races.

And the spring flowers are again popping up from the old stones.

Jerusalem, day and night, cold and hot, even under missile fire – Israel is rated the 8th happiest country.

Am Yisrael Chai – See you Next Year in Jerusalem!

It’s Purim in Jerusalem – Best Costume and Parade Photos

Favorites of Jerusalem Purim 2025 in Photos

Purim is a major festival time in Jerusalem, Israel.

Even though we celebrated this year on a day when the Megillah Esther was not read,

on the Jerusalem streets, it is hard to miss the color and celebrations.

Store windows are lined with food gift baskets of all sizes to give as Mishloah Manot.

Readings for Megillah Esther seem to be everywhere and every hour in some neighborhoods.

We went to a small synagogue this year where red hats were in vogue in various styles. We were able to hear every word. In many larger congregations, the noisemakers drown out the reader.

Some masks were good disguise, but not so pleasant,

but this woman’s mask was a Purim favorite.

This year Purim stretched over 3 days from Thursday night to Sunday night. However, Sunday was when the main events were held on the Jerusalem streets, with a Purim Parade starting in the morning and dancing in the streets into the afternoon.

The police band led off the parade, with the yellow ribbon for the hostages behind, followed by the Mayor and honored guests, the families of hostages.

The Train Theater developed dozens of new floats. This guy was a favorite of mine.,

Her smile at the start of the Parade was also a favorite.

Characters in costume interacted with the thousands of spectators of all ages that lined the route.

Imagine walking the Jerusalem streets on stilts! I have enough trouble in flat shoes.

One colorful creation after another, some hard to describe,

moved slowly along the Jerusalem streets.

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Short ones and long ones, dozens of creations to entertain on Purim.

These young acrobats were impressive to watch as they flipped along the Jerusalem streets.

This man won my best spectator hat prize, I wish I had captured the plant before or after he passed the tree so you could see the forest on his head more clearly.

Some spectators’ costumes were as impressive as the parade participants,

like this guy who walked by – oh my.

There was a new huge yellow lion this year,

plus little ducks in a row.

Even a live animal walking along with the hundreds of people in the parade was appreciated.

Colorfully dressed belly dancers performed as they walked,

while agile young athletes did impressive stunts.

And yes, Spider-Man was there, along with the white doves, marchers, floats, and more.

It was warm and sunny and a great day for a parade,

but that was not all…

We went to a family Purim Seuda, a holiday meal with lots of grilled meats and salads.

However, this was not our family meal.

As Purim was ending, President Herzog hosted an elegant Iftar, a Ramadan break fast meal, at Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s Residence, for Israeli and Arab leaders.

I recognized and got a smile from IDF Arabic spokesperson Colonel Avichay Adrae.

The dessert looked amazing but after eating all day, it was time to go home and not try the treats.

I went by this sign on the way home, “Am Yisrael Chai” Israel has been at war for over 500 days with 59 hostages, but life goes on on the Jerusalem streets as thousands of our finest risk their lives in the north and south on reserve duty. Their young families try to keep going on the home front.

Purim is a day of upside-downs, but that was not all…

It’s not easy, and hard to believe – but the Nation of Israel not only lives but thrives.

Happy Purim from Jerusalem 2025

A favorite classic Purim in Jerusalem, Israel, image.

Happy Purim on Jerusalem Montefiore Windmill

The Montefiore Windmill decorated for Purim during the pandemic.

This year, the central Jerusalem, Israel celebration will be held on Sunday, March 16, 2025 –

The Jerusalem Marching Together Giant Puppet Parade event of the Purim celebrations in Jerusalem will assemble on King David Street at 10:00 AM and begin moving at 11:00 AM.

The parade will pass through King David Street and King Solomon Street, turn at Tzahal Square onto Jaffa Street, and conclude its route on King George Street in front of the old Mashbir building, like last year.

פורים שמח

Purim Sameach

Happy Purim