In Jerusalem one November week with highs and lows

In Jerusalem, Israel, the last week of November 2023 began with an important visitor.

Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s Residence, was open, but with less of the usual formality: no red carpets and no flowers decorated the stage in the main hall, just flags and two podiums.

The President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier was met outside and escorted in by the President of Israel Isaac Herzog as the media and staff watched.

The cameras were ready early, and I made sure to get a good seat.

Their speeches were broadcast live and are available to the public.

The large delegation that came from Germany was warmly greeted, but more importantly, the solidarity visit included traveling south to see the destruction of the Simhat Torah Massacre firsthand.

I wondered if they noticed the memorial candles for a fallen soldier, the son of Beit Hanasi staff member.

The yellow ribbons are still out.

The dog tags – “Bring them home – now” – are becoming more popular.

While some are so happy to take down the posters of the returned hostages,

the faces of the too many who are still held captive in Gaza are seen as life goes on slowly in Jerusalem.

After its grand opening, the Bezalel building is only open to students.

Haneviim Street was strangely lacking traffic, but the new buildings behind were easily visible over the old, showing the contrast on this old Jerusalem street.

People were on Ben Yehudah Streets and Zion Square, an interesting diversity of people as usual.

HaBoydem was open with their recycled fashions, it seems with all the donations to help southern families, the donated clothing for this charity keeps arriving in the original Talpiot branch.

The Farmer’s Markets keep popping up in various Jerusalem locations. I should have bought those orchids on the right when I saw them, as they were gone when I came back a few minutes later.

Perhaps fewer, but the young hijab-wearing women were also walking on Jaffa Road.

And as always, at Israeli medical facilities, Arabs both work and receive treatment.

Kikar Safra is the home of the Jerusalem municipality that has been working overtime to serve Jerusalem residents and the thousands of people from around the country who had to leave their homes under threat.

It was good to see tour groups as I walked around on a sunny weather day. Things are not always as they seem, as the sign warns that those cushions that look so inviting are made of cement.

Near Tzahal Square there was much less congestion than usual.

I had time to notice the Jerusalem lion on the bollards for the first time.

The view on the way to Jaffa Gate is an old photo favorite as usual.

This man sitting in his usual spot collected charity, a sign of returning to normal.

Traffic below coming and going from Jerusalem, who would have thought it a positive sight?

By Jaffa Gate, the tourists and birds were missing, but, as usual, a Muslim family walked by.

A week, that featured an emotional roller coaster of nights waiting to see which hostages would be released, ended with a Friday Fair at the Tower of David with no entrance fee.

An arts and crafts sale to aid southern businesses, at a time when culture is not seen as a priority.

In a city with too few tourists, there was live music at the popular tourist sight,

sweet treats to be designed and made,

and beer was sold, as well as food, at the Tower of David before Shabbat.

The flags were up on the JVP Margalit campus of Startup City Jerusalem, only I arrived after the Hackathon was over. It was hard to keep up with everything that was happening this past week.

However, from there I could see the sign announcing the Jewish Film Week at the Cinematheque, December 9 – 14, 2023.

Donuts. So hard to believe it will be Hanuka in a few days, as the past 2 months are a blur.

Jerusalem, Israel on Hanukkah 5778

Today the traditional menorah, made entirely of bronze, standing over 2 meters tall and 2 meters wide, was placed in the Kotel, Western Wall Plaza, a popular sight year after year.

The Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem had a poster up along a Jerusalem street. Most museums have special activities planned for the week of Hanuka, especially for children.

Hannukah events in Jerusalem, many in libraries in various neighborhoods, already have begun,

December 2-15, 2023, check the link for registration information on Lights from Jerusalem events.

No idea what will be this year, but here’s a favorite from the past to brighten and lighten the mood.

Hope to see you soon on the Jerusalem streets!

Nechama Rivlin – Remembered

Nechama Rivlin – Remembered

On Monday, March 11, Nechama Rivlin, z”l,  נחמה בת דרורה – Nechama bat Derora, wife of Israel President Reuven Rivlin, had a single lung transplant at Beilinson Hospital in Petach Tikvah.

On June 5, on what would have been her 74th birthday she was buried in Har Herzl Cemetery.

President Rivlin and his family received condolence calls from all over the country and from world leaders on the passing of his wife.

Beit Hanasi flags at half mast after death of Nechama Rivlin

At the entrance to Beit HaNasi, the Israeli President’s Residence, flags were lowered to half mast.

Jerusalem Theater lobby before funeral of Nechama Rivlin pall bearers bring casket and stand before leaving

Eight pallbearers carried her casket into the Jerusalem Theater.

She loved the theater and the public was invited to come and pay respects.

Jerusalem Theater for funeral of Nechama Rivlin with President REuven Rivlin and family

The President came to the theater at 4:00 pm, surrounded by family and especially supported by a young grandson, before the cortege left for the cemetery.

More than four thousand people from all over the country, of all ages, tribes, and sectors, came to offer their condolences to the President and his family, including government ministers, Knesset members, military and police personnel, heads of various religious and ethnic communities in Israel, ambassadors and cultural and spiritual figures.

 

Nechama Rivlin shiva at Beit Hanasi

Because of the Shavuot holiday, the shiva mourning days were shortened from seven to only two days. Beit Hanasi was open to all those who wished to pay their respects.

Over the holiday weekend, I had time to think back over the past years and the hundreds of photos taken at Beit Hanasi. 

Beit Hanasi Nechama Rivlin at New Year Host

At every event, I had to decide whether or not to post a photo with the oxygen line, as here standing next to the President at a New Year’s Reception for Diplomats at the 2017 Rosh Hashana “raise a glass.

President and Nechama Rivlin at arrival of German President

In June 2015, the Rivlins stood outside of Beit Hanasi during the anthems as the German President made an official visit.

Nechama Rivlin and wife of German president walking into Beit Hanasi holding hands

Both presidents’ wives walked hand and hand down the red carpet. This is one of the few public appearances without portable oxygen in hand.

Dedication of Jerusalem Gazelle Park with Nechama Rivlin

In spite of her medical condition, Nechama Rivlin attended the opening of Gazelle Park.

Jerusalem Gazelle Park Opening Nechama Rivlin speaking

President Rivlin was out of the country and she was the featured speaker.

President Trump at Beit Hanasi Neshcam Rivlin in front row

For diplomatic functions, the main hall gets crowded, none more so than for the visit of US President Trump to Jerusalem, Israel.

Rivlins in Garden at Beith Hanasi during Trump visit to Jerusalem

For the brief trip out to the back garden, Nechama had her oxygen in hand.

Jerusalem Foundation 50 celebration at Beit Hanasi

Here she is seated outside for the Jerusalem Foundation 50th year celebration.

Nechama Rivlin at Beit Hanasi for Jerusalem Foundation

The Rivlins posed on stage for a photo with dignitaries.

Young Musicians with President and Nechama Rivlin at Beit Hanasi

And they also posed with the young musicians who performed.

Nechama Rivlin and grandson at Beit Hanasi ceremony

There were many first-row center seats in the garden for celebrations and performances. This one was memorable as their grandson had a special seat of honor.

The Rivlins hosted Bible study sessions and literary and other awards.

Tu Bishvat seder at Beit Hanasi Nechama Rivlin

They initiated new events for Jewish holidays and sat the head of this seder for Tu Bishvat

Reading to children invited to Beit Hanasi Nechama Rivlin

Nechama Rivlin was the one who hosted groups of children in the garden for Tu Bishvat. 

Nechama Rivlin at Beit Hanasi

Various groups of young students were invited to the back garden.

Children in Beit Hanasi garden for Tu Bishvat and Nechama Rivlin reading

With the Presidential cat supervising, she read to the children.

Beit Hanasi community garden established by Nechama Rivlin

But the main activity was planting for Tu Bishvat in the children’s community garden she initiated.

Tu BeShvat in Beit Hanasi garden Nechama Rivlin planting

In the neglected back corner past the synagogue, an area was cleared and flowers were planted.

The portable oxygen is seen not far away off to the right in this photo.

Child garden in Beit Hanasi with Nechama Rivlin

In 2016, Nechama Rivlin got down with her shovel to plant in the garden  

With the President, she also acted as hostess to lone soldiers, on Sukkot to greet the public or at special events.

After dozens of times at Beit Hanasi, one event still stands out.

Beit Hanasi sign welcoming children to party

This sign in Hebrew across the Beit Hanasi entrance gate read  “With love, Nechama and Ruvi Rivlin,” to welcome the children of police and security personnel

Snack and games for children at Beit Hanasi

There was a special kids menu, with a carnival set up on the grounds.

Nechama Rivlin with her oxygen in garden at Beit Hanasi

As the Rivlins came out of the house and entered the grounds, Nechama Rivlin began by explaining to the children about her portable oxygen.

Performer with children of security personnel at Beit Hanasi

There was entertainment for young children, as age was limited that day for under 8 years old.

Starting in September 2015, a “wave of terror” had their parents on duty 24/7, and families under great stress.

Beit Hanasi party with Nechama Rivlin reading to children

The young guests sat that afternoon in October, as Nechama Rivlin read them a story.

As everyone was entering the main hall there was a loud noise.

For a second you could have heard a feather drop.

But as soon as it was realized a balloon had popped, the noisy chatter began again.

I think this was the first and last time I saw bunches of balloons in Beit Hanasi. 

Nehchama Rivlin entering hall for a ceremony

Nechama Rivlin z’l in spite of her lung disease, supported by loyal young staffers, worked beside her husband from the time his term as President began in July 2014, even traveling overseas.

She shared her love of gardening and literature and theater with young Israelis.

The president and his family were overwhelmed by the great love shown to them throughout Nechama’s illness, and the enormous warmth shown by so many people since her death. The President and his family thanked Beit Yisrael, the Jewish people, with all their hearts. The President and family expressed deep appreciation before the holiday began.

Necjama Rivlin funeral mourning wreathes and candle

Outside the entrance of Beit Hanasi, flowers surrounded the black-draped photo.

I thought it fitting to share these few photographs and conclude with the traditional words to mourners.

המקום ינחם אותם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים

May you be comforted by the gates of mourners of Zion and Jerusalem

Link for President’s Eulogy HERE