The Real Jerusalem Streets – Page 391 – Jerusalem, Israel – what is really happening

Netanyahus – Father and Son

May 1, 2012rjstreets

Benzion Netanyahu, father of Prime Minister Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu,

died and was buried in Jerusalem yesterday.

The son remembered his father in a moving eulogy.

The signs are up and the week of shiva has begun.

In Jewish tradition the shiva, the seven-day mourning period, is observed

at the home of the deceased.

Benzion Netanyahu lived the last of his 102 years on a small Jerusalem street.

Neighbors all knew when the Prime Minister came for one of his regular visits,

as armed security would stop them from even walking in the area.

Most people were impressed by the respect of a busy son for his father

and accepted the frequent inconvenience.

After the funeral, the one-way street was lined with security barriers.

A large security tent was put up outside the entrance of the house,

which is located at Yoni Square, named for Yoni Nentanyahu,

Benzion’s oldest son who commanded and was killed

in the Entebbe raid in 1976.

One of the first to arrive to pay his condolences was Natan Sharansky.

This week neighborhood patience will be tested as the street will be blocked.

Men in dark suits are wandering around the maze of streets

looking at the illogical street numbers,

while those with diplomatic license plates can park a bit closer.

Condolence messages have even been received from Arab countries.

People on the street looked sad as they passed slowly by the house.

Educated Israelis from left to right acknowledge the loss of a father,

who was an academic, a scholar and a brilliant editor of encyclopedias.

המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים

May the family be comforted with all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Jerusalem Celebrates Israel’s 64th

April 29, 2012rjstreets

This week was a roller coaster ride of emotions,

going from mourning on Yom Hazikaron, Remembrance Day,

to the joyous celebrations for Yom Ha’atzmaut, Independence Day.

On Thursday night fireworks displays lit up the sky over Jerusalem,

to celebrate Israel at 64.

In Jerusalem on Yom Ha’azmaut

the hammers were bigger, but softer.

These people were watching the Air Force fly over,

but by their expressions I assume they missed my blog post.

The annual International Bible Contest was held in the morning

and the Israel Prizes were presented in the evening,

but most people spent much of the day at a mangal, a BBQ, grilling meat.

Gan Sacher, Sacher Park, was the site of many family reunions,

but I spent most of the day in Gan Sacher with 400 lone soldiers.

The Lone Soldier Center in memory of Michael Levin’s mangal

served 60 kilo of meat to young people from around the world and Israel,

who do not have families here with whom to celebrate.

See more photos of the event on the Real Jerusalem Streets Facebook page.

Gan Sacher did not seem as crowded as usual,

as there were plenty of open spaces for a “foam fight”

and there was plenty of the foam for sale.

I was impressed that in such a relaxed atmosphere, people made time for

this impromptu mincha, afternoon prayer, one of many that took place.

Smoke filled the sky all day,

while the weather was perfect.

Tons of equipment were schlepped and food consumed… and beer.

Israel at 64 was celebrated in Jerusalem in a big way.

Why do Israelis get so hung up about their Independence Day?

We will keep looking for answers to the question.

Yom Hazikaron in Jerusalem

April 27, 2012rjstreets

Wednesday was Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Remembrance Day

for those killed in war and by terror attacks.

It was observed in many ways. Some do not observe it at all.

I was at two major traffic locations when the memorial sirens sounded.

At night on Derech Hevron, Hebron Road, near the walls of the Old City,

cars kept moving and a large truck tried to pass against traffic.

On the Begin Highway some drivers got out of their cars before the

11:00am siren and stood silently, but as the siren began I was very surprised

to see many cars zooming around the stopped vehicles.

I decided not to show those disappointing video scenes,

but rather to share a few more positive photos.

The official government ceremony was held at the Kotel,

the Western Wall, on Tuesday night,

where an honor guard stood by the memorial flame.

The food court of the Rova, the Jewish Quarter of the Old City was closed.

Many parts of the Old City were dark and quiet.

At The Sultan’s Pool, a huge stage was built and thousands gathered

for a musical presentation sponsored by the Jerusalem Municipality.

There were hundreds of young people,

but you could hear a pin drop during the siren and no one moved.

All over Jerusalem the next day,

fresh flowers could be found at memorial locations,

marking the memory of dear ones lost.

The Begin Highway looked like a parking lot,

as many people drove to the Har Herzl Military cemetery

to attend the official ceremony and to visit graves.

This speed sign showed that no one was driving too fast.

Red memorial flames were displayed, while Israeli flags flew at half-mast.

This year there seemed to be many more

flags than usual.

I found a flag flying on top of this phone booth…

yes, there are still are a few phone booths.

Israeli flags were displayed with pride this year.

I watched the young children at one memorial event

and thought of all the lives lost.

Are there really any Israelis who do not want peace

in the future for their children?

Shabbat shalom.