What a strange week this was!
Passover ended.
However, it seems like a long time ago with so much happening on the Jerusalem streets.
With Passover over, the flags are flying for the annual, emotional days of Yom Hazikaron, Memorial Day, and Yom Ha’atzmaut, Independence Day.
Flags are for sale in stores, at street corners, and popping out of car windows – as usual.
This week, 7 new Ambassadors to Israel presented their credentials at Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s residence, where these ceremonies are held. Such a large number at once was unusual.
I arrived as the new Ambassador from India was leaving.
The Ambassador from the Philippines wore a handmade, elegant dress, standing on the red carpet as her anthem was played and the flag from the Philippines was raised in her honor.
The Ambassador for the Dominican Republic was next to present his credentials.
I should go and check old photos, but I think President Herzog was standing on a new carpet.
Then the Ambassadors went into the official diplomatic room to exchange short remarks. Canada’s new Ambassador’s exchange was more casual, and Michal Herzog joined in.
The official handshake photo is an important step in the process, as with the Ambassador from Angola.
Keeping the red carpet clean is another important step.
The last Ambassador of the day was from the US, Michael Huckabee, with his wife Jane in the blue dress.
Look closely at her necklace, it’s a Star of David.
President Herzog’s staff lines up along the red carpet to greet each of the new Ambassadors as they arrive in the main hall. President Rivlin had his staff stand behind him. For the US ceremony, guests were on both sides of the room.
If you look closely at the back of Miriam Adelson’s dress, you will see the Hebrew writing down the back, “If I forget thee, Jerusalem .”
Of course, the media comes out more for the US Ambassadors.
The two men gave media statements after a short private meeting in the diplomatic room.
Of all the past ceremonies I attended, I do not remember an Israeli President hugging the new Ambassador after his credentials were put in his hand.
Ambassador Huckabee signs the official guest book as all the others had done.
However, Mrs. Huckabee’s small handbag got my attention while her husband wrote in the book–an Israeli flag is on one side and a US flag on the other.
And the yellow chair, not forgetting the hostages at Beit Hanasi.
If you counted and noticed there were six. The seventh was from Belarus, who was first in the morning before I arrived. At the King David Hotel, after the ceremonies, he was given a chance to speak.
That was how the week began on a high.
The house was clean. Things are back in order. And I got a ride to the King David in one of the official limos behind the four motorcycles leading the motorcade. Amazing how fast the trip was when you do not have to stop for red lights. So fast, I did not think to take a photo.
For Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, I went to the home of Rena Quint for Zikaron BaSalon.
Her story of survival during the Holocaust is documented in “A Daughter of Many Mothers” with the help of Barbara Sofer. Each survivor’s story is shocking and unique. Rena has told her hundreds of times at home and at Yad Vashem. She even had a U.S. president bend down to her. Read the book or find a video.
Sadly, no more Dry Bones, Yaakov Kirshen passed away. I so admired his wit and wisdom.
Sadly, the signs with fallen soldiers line too many Jerusalem streets. The number since October 7 rose to 849. Together we will win. But is there unity?
New signs are up: “Until we win.”
Notice the yellow ribbon on the special poster made for Steve Linde’s 65th birthday party. Steve was an editor at Jerusalem Post and Jerusalem Report, and is now Feature Editor at JNS.
Too many ceremonies and events for Yom HaZikaron to mention. It’s hard to decide where to go.
Then the next day, starting Wednesday night, is Yom Haatzmaut! Again too many, it’s hard to decide!
The Yoms, the roller coaster emotional time of year.
Am Yisrael Chai!
