A week with Israel at the center of international headlines.
No idea what will happen next.
But I want to make sure you heard of these 3 events that happened in Jerusalem, Israel.
The IDF Band and honor guard were out early on Sunday to welcome the President of Somaliland, Abdirahaman Mohamed Abdullahi.
The Israeli President’s official guest book was ready to be signed in the diplomatic reception room.
The band was playing the national anthems as the President and his wife were welcomed on the red carpet.
Israeli and Somaliland government officials were lined up inside to meet and greet each other.
The President and their wives and military attaches followed for the signing of the guest book.
The Somaliland President was welcomed and spoke of the 6 million Muslims he was elected to represent.
The lunch that followed included the Israeli Foreign Minister and the former head of Mossad, who have been working on joint relations.
The Somaliland delegation had days filled with events and a dinner reception at the Friends of Zion Center.
No wine, again, but dined in style, hosted by Mike Evans and the FoZ.
The Friends of Zion Award is a menorah given over the years to leaders who support Israel.
President Abdullahi opened the Somaliland Embassy in Jerusalem.
He expressed his appreciation for Israel being the first country to recognize and support his country.
But Somaliland was not the only country with government officials in Jerusalem.
The President of the Argentine Chamber of Deputies, Martin Menem, was welcomed to Jerusalem at the Knesset.
On Monday morning, the head of Argentina’s parliament was greeted by Israeli Speaker Amir Ohana.
The national anthems were played as the flag of Argentina was raised.
Menem placed a ceremonial wreath at the memorial flame outside the Knesset.
He took a rather long time to sign the Knesset guest book.
I went to take a photo of what he wrote in Spanish. Here’s an AI English Translation:
The Honorable Martín Menem
President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Argentine Nation
With immense gratitude, I visit the Knesset, a symbol of Israeli democracy and of the strength of a people that has known how to DEFEND its freedom, its identity, and its values throughout its history.
It is an honor for me to be the first President of the honorable CHAMBER OF DEPUTIES of the ARGENTINE NATION to make an official visit to ISRAEL, which reflects the deep FRIENDSHIP that unites both nations that share FUNDAMENTAL VALUES.
With ADMIRATION and AFFECTION toward the people of ISRAEL.
[Signature]
MARTÍN MENEM
Jerusalem, 15 June 2026
30 Sivan 5786
One more event you may not have heard about.
Sarri Singer founded Strength to Strength, a global non-profit that connects and supports victims of terrorism, bereaved families, and first responders.
She established the organization after surviving a tragic 2003 suicide bombing on Bus 14 in Jerusalem, where she was severely injured while everyone seated around her was killed.
NGO Monitor, Strength to Strength, hosted an event at StandWithUs on Monday night.
Sharren Haskel, Israeli politician serving as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, was the keynote speaker.
The panel (left to right): Fleur Hassan Nahoum, Sarri Singer, and Anne Herzberg discussed “pay for slay.”
The PA has found new ways to continue to pay terrorists and their families who murder Israelis.
Out in the real Jerusalem streets, 5 parking spots have been reduced to 2.
The pomegranate trees are in bloom as the grasses dry out in June.
And with all the uncertainty in the world today, the summer sunsets are colorful as always.
Tourists are arriving. Hope to see you soon on the Jerusalem streets.
