‘Jerusalem Knights’ First Night

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Who could imagine that the Crusades could be so much fun?

Actors and musicians were dressed in medieval costumes.

The weather was perfect Thursday evening, October 7 in the Old City.

People had gathered in the plaza near Jaffa Gate, the unimaginable happened–

the Jerusalem Knights program started ten minutes early.

A map of 21 street performances in the Christian Quarter

was projected on a large screen near Jaffa Gate.

Visitors received a paper copy of the map with explanations in Hebrew and English.

The first performance, the Royal Reception, took place outside the walls

and just inside the walls, The Leper, was a scary sight.

The Greek Muse, hard to believe she was a real person.

It was hard to see the Fire Knight with such a large crowd around him.

The Wishing Fountain was easy to photograph, as like the Muse, she did not move.

In the Slave Market, even the slaves seemed to be having a good time.

Musicians performed in many locations along the route.

While some of the market was open,

near the end of the route, most of the shops were closed,

providing a perfect setting for peddlers

beggars,

and be careful.. more peddlers and beggars.

At the end, Muristan Square was filled with color and dancers.

Jerusalem Knights  was held October 7, 14, 21 & 28.

The Jerusalem Development Authority, along with a list of other groups,

is sponsoring the performances;  there is no charge.

It takes about an hour to walk the route.

It is not good for the handicapped or baby strollers.

Holiday Leftovers

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After the holidays is a perfect time to use up leftovers,

so this week there will be a bit more of Sukkot in Jerusalem.

The garden at the Christian Embassy in Jerusalem was beautiful.

While the Independence Park,

was the scene of a large musical event for children,

many small parks hosted free musical programs.

A  boy’s choir entertained on the plaza outside the Jaffa Gate.

A constant stream of holiday visitors came through Jaffa Gate and many religions were represented.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holiday time was

 

 

family time.

 

The Rova, the Jewish Quarter, was the scene of many events

and the Kotel, the Western Wall, was often very crowded.

This view shows the area on the right which is set for a much-needed renovation to help relieve crowding.

While thousands of visitors marched in the Jerusalem Parade,

not everyone stood the entire time.

At the parade there were a variety of flags and banners,

but were any flags really left over?

A band entertaining before the parade on Jaffa Road had to watch its step because of horse ‘left overs’.

There were unusual sukkot,

but who knew that camels had such long necks and were so hard to photograph?

 

As soon as Simhat Torah was over the Hakafot Sheniot began around the city.

At one celebration in Gan Hapa’amon, The Liberty Bell Park,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Metzger and Sephardi Chief Rabbi Amar addressed the large crowd.

Mayor Nir Barkat joined the band in singing  Im Eshkachaich Yerushalyim, If I forget thee, O’ Jerusalem.

Even after a brief power outage,

those standing and dancing in the back seemed to be enjoying the music and socializing.

 

As usual, there were protests and protest signs.

 

 

 

 

 

Some signs were up for a short time,

 

but a sign near the Prime Minister’s Residence

 

for the release of Gilad Shalit

 

may be up for a while.

 

 

 

 

Signs posted in Mea Shaerim asking for modest dress have been around for years, but

last week a court ruled that the streets cannot be physically divided for men and women.

 

The weather has finally cooled off,  most of the visitors have gone home, and the children are back in school;

with the holidays over, it’s time to get back to ‘normal’.

On Tuesday, municipal workers went on strike in all cities, except Jerusalem.

However,

even with city workers collecting them

it could be sometime

until the all holiday leftovers are gone from the Jerusalem streets.

Enough Sukkot, until next year in Jerusalem

Jerusalem Parade Day

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While many people went North or overseas for the holiday week,

  on Wednesday, September 28, Gan Sacher, Sacher Park, filled with thousands of people.

Large crowds enjoyed the children’s entertainment,

as groups waited for hours in the heat to march in the Jerusalem Parade.

  Banners and flags were everywhere.

The  park was a busy place,

and so was the parade route, with enthusiastic crowds waving flags and singing.

Firetrucks with balloons

and police dogs were among the first of many service and military groups that led the parade.

 The new light rail train was on display on Jaffa Street, in contrast to

modes of transportation from old

and even older eras.

International groups

from Australia to

 the United States,

from Papua New Guinea

and Russia,

Thailand

and Taiwan, were among those that marched.

Many groups were singing, haveinu shalom aleichem,  bringing greetings of peace,

  women from the Philippines were dancing.

After groups with colorful flags and I Love Israel tee shirts,

still many more were waiting in the park to join the parade.

There was extra security and roads were closed,

but there was more than one way

to get around.

Despite the oppressive heat, the positive energy and party atmosphere was impressive.

 Sukkot celebrations in Jerusalem returned to the city center,

 but as usual, the resulting massive traffic tie-ups were the topic of conversation for days.