To Celebrate…62

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Yom Ha’atzmaut

Israel Independence Day

6 Iyar 5770                   April 20, 2010

For many families the transition from Yom Hazikaron

into the celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut is difficult,

"picture Yom Hazikaron"

 going right after an intense day of mourning into party mode.

 But there were many and varied ways to celebrate this year,

62 years of the State of Israel.

Plenty of blue and white and flags,

   nighttime party options;

food and drink and music and fireworks…

 well into the night and morning hours.

For many families the day is begun

by watching the televised

International Bible Quiz

held at the Jerusalem Theater.

This year there was extra security,

as the Prime Minister’s son was the

finalist representing Jerusalem.

Provisions for extra security

were well under way the day before.

"picture President house Israel"

Located around the corner from the theater is Beit Hanasi, the President’s Residence

 where the annual Israel Prizes are awarded;

this could explain the blimp hovering over the area in the morning.

 The real Jerusalem streets were getting ready to celebrate,

parking spots on the sidewalk along Gan Sacher were filled quickly in the morning.

Not only was Gan Sacher full of people, but also

parks and nature strips all around the city and country, with people and mangals, BBQs,

the smell of grilled meat filled the air; a day for family and friend reunions.

Even the signs leading into Jerusalem were in holiday mode,

displaying holiday greetings and symbols, instead of the usual traffic congestion and accident warnings.

After dark Gan Sacher was still busy with people celebrating,

as the last remains of the charcoal turned to ash.

After all the celebrations,

people moved a little slow and looked a bit worn the next day.

To Remember

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Yom Hazikaron

Israel Remembrance Day

4 Iyar 5770                April 19, 2010

As the sun was setting on the eve of Yom Hazikaron,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 shopping areas closed down and the streets became quiet;

scouts and youth groups slowly and somberly gathered.

A televised military ceremony at the Kotel, the Western Wall, involved thousands of people,

  thousands of families gathered at the International Convention Center;

and there were also many well-attended community memorial events.

One Family, an organization aiding victims of terror, held a ceremony in Katamon.

Nearby, hundreds of people gathered to remember fallen soldiers of all the Israeli wars and those killed in terroist attacks. At 8:00pm at the sound of the siren, all stood in silence.

Torches and memorial candles were lit.

The names and histories of those killed

were read; to remember.

Soldiers in uniform attended.

Besides memorial services at cemeteries during the day,

there were neighborhood ceremonies where  memorial wreaths were laid.

At 11:00 am,  people came outside the walls of the Old City to watch the traffic

come to a stop at the sound of a two minute-siren.

The memorial flame was attended all day by a changing military guard.

To remember.

So Much In the Air

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The week started avikh, with so much dirt and sand in the air that it was hard to breathe;  

grit got in your mouth.

 

 The sky was white and grey, no sun or blue sky could be seen.

Then strong winds blew away the sand, and a different kind of dirt filled the air;

news broadcasts concerning the HolyLand building bribe scandal filled the airwaves.

Towering over the Jerusalem skyline despite multiple building regulations;

no one in Jerusalem was surprised that bribery could be involved. 

The sadness in the air after Yom Hashoah seemed to linger with the news of former Mayor Lupolianski’s arrest as a bribery suspect. As head of the Yad Sarah Organization, he helped so many people. 

But nature goes on, and in the air day and night…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

birds, resting in a tree

 flying or soaring at he Kotel, Western Wall; Jerusalem is their oasis between the desert and the sea.

At  Gan Sacher a ball is often  in the air. 

This week, blue and white returned to the skies.

  The air filled with flags, Israeli and those of the city of Jerusalem.

On government buildings,

the Knesset,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 commercial areas and gardens:

rows of flags

were in the air

 and

 

 

 

 along the streets

 and on cars;

 Jerusalem readies for Yom Hazikron and then Yom Ha’aztmaut next week.