What a busy week, with so much happening!
On Sunday night the Menachem Begin Heritage Center had a long list of impressive speakers.
Over 2,000 people attended the second annual Pulse of Israel Conference, “What’s Next For Israel” in person and via livestream – to learn about key issues in the future for Israel.
Actor Michael Rapaport was recognized with the Pulse of Israel Brave Leadership of Zion Award for his outspoken pro-Israel activism on social media. “This is my fourth time in Israel since November 2023 – before that trip, I had never been here. There has been so much suffering since October 7…”
Indeed, we wonder daily what’s next.
The next night, I was back again for a special memorial tribute event to Senator Joe Lieberman z”l moderated by Paul Gross, Senior Fellow at the Center.
Representing the family, Hani Lowenstein spoke eloquently of her father,
US Ambassador Jack Lew had a long and special relationship. They were two Democratic, Shabbat observant Jews serving together in the US government over many years.
Gil Troy knows how to speak to the audience during an interview and to keep them engaged.
I was complimenting him after the event outside, and this family passed by leaving Liberty Bell Park.
The Knesset was a busy place the day I attended a special event there.
Too often getting by the security to enter is a headache when your name is not on the computer list.
But once inside the Chagall Hall was impressive as usual.
Finding the Knesset Library was simple enough to arrive on time for the announcement.
Israeli Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana announced for the first time in the history of US–Israel relations the establishment of the Knesset–House Parliamentary Friendship Group. He said it was planned for July 3rd purposely before the US Independence Day.
In progress since 2023, before October 7, Ohana was well prepared with a media presentation.
US Chair of the House–Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group Congressman David Kustoff was in Jerusalem, Israel for the event.
Ambassador Lew also spoke. I was glad for a chance to compliment his remarks about Joe Liberman z”l before the formal program began. People like to complain. I prefer to compliment when possible.
July 4th is also Entebbe Day, the time to remember the hostage rescue and Yoni Netanyahu, its fallen leader.
The King David Hotel was ready in red, white, and blue for the Newsmax July 4th celebration.
The food was abundant, it was great to see some people again and speak with people in person and not on a screen. It was hard to leave, but I had a previous commitment.
Photos of a few friends are on Facebook
A Counterpoint reunion had been planned at the Yeshiva University Israel Campus.
As with most celebrations in Jerusalem, prayers for hostages and soldiers began the program.
Again too many friends to mention, a few photos also on Facebook. so many friends, so many years.
Back on the Jerusalem streets, SUMMER in the neighborhoods. It’s the long summer school holiday time.
The Jerusalem Street Orchestra if you missed them last week at the Montefiore Windmill, is planning a performance for July 22 in the garden of the National Library.
So what’s next for Israel?
You never know.
But slowly the sounds of music and life are returning to the Jerusalem streets.
