The last two awards were to individuals – Rabbi Yonatan Reiss, founder of the Chedvata network of haredi hesder yeshivot, was honored for advancing the integration of ultra-Orthodox young men into meaningful national service and Israeli society while maintaining strong religious observance.
The audience stood to applaud his award and work.
The final honoree, Sheikh Muwafaq Tarif, spiritual leader of Israel’s Druze community, also received a standing ovation for his longstanding efforts to strengthen relations between the Druze community and broader Israeli society and promote shared life among Israel’s diverse populations.
Also, a new book, “Heroism and Hope” by David Bryfman, was launched on Monday night.
Good to see a long-time connection doing well and launching his book on education in Jerusalem
Out on the Jerusalem streets this week, people were enjoying the weather.
Plus, the unusual quiet, with the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, there was less traffic.
Most construction sites were not active for the holiday.
The International Writers’ Festival was less international than in the past.
But as I was going to check it out, another couple was getting engaged nearby.
Ah, the Jerusalem streets where one could find “A little light can dispel a lot of darkness.”
While much of the news is negative, here are a few of Jerusalem’s views you may not have seen.
Construction from every direction, in the distance,
and not so far away.
The light rail construction drags on, with too many images of closed roads to share.
But if you get out to walk on the Jerusalem streets, there are roses to stop and smell.
And the old lanes of Nachlaot to admire.
Hoping for you to see for yourself the real Jerusalem streets.
What a week this was as the Jerusalem streets celebrated Israel at 78.
From Yom HaZikaron, Memorial Day, to Yom Haatzmaut, Independence Day, all three are packed, emotional, and impossible to attend all the events. It seemed more so this year, coming so soon after a ceasefire announcement.
The Israeli flags were up along with the April flowers as usual.
The building sites, under construction for many years, continue to rise over the Jerusalem streets.
Monday, April 20, 2026, was far from a usual day.
Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s residence, was decorated with the blue and white flags of Argentina and Israel.
President Isaac Herzog welcomed the President of the Argentine Republic, Dr.Javier Milei.
President Herzog presented the “Presidential Medal of Honor” to President Milei, in recognition of his contributions to the State of Israel.
The medal is a shiny gold. I decided to photograph myself as if it were a mirror.
Monday night was Yom Hazikron, and Beit Hanasi had faces of fallen soldiers on display.
For Yom HaZikaron, Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror, there were numerous options for online and live commemorations.
The official state event takes place at the Western Wall Plaza with the President speaking.
This year, the annual lone soldier ceremony at Ammunition Hill was prerecorded due to the security situation.
Jerusalem’s Museum of Tolerance, with the IDF Widows and Orphans, held an emotional English program for the third year.
Among the families highlighted was that of Sgt. Maj. (res.) Yossi Hershkovitz, 44, principal of the ORT Pelech High School in Jerusalem. He was killed in battle in northern Gaza on Nov. 10. His sons sang the song composed in Gaza, along with singer Yonatan Razel.
The ceremony also featured powerful personal reflections, including those from Orit Mark and Keren Emuna Kalmanson. Mark, who was 16 when her father, Miki Mark, was killed in a 2016 terror attack, has since lost five close family members over eight years to terror and war.
People party all night long, this year with three huge events in Jerusalem.
I was satisfied with one beautiful late-night dinner hosted by long-time friends I had missed the past few years by going to Har Herzl.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
My favorite Yom Haatzmaut event was moved from the afternoon to the morning at Beit Hanasi.
Love. Love the table with the hats.
One of the most important events gets the least coverage, the reception for Diplomats and Military attaches posted in Israel.
Important to see the Ambassadors from the Abraham Accords countries attending.
The Herzogs have showcased and supported Israeli food and wine (there was lots of it) from the north and south, which have been affected by the security situation. The items I tasted were excellent. With two BBQs, mangals, to go to that afternoon, it was hard to resist the delicacies, but I did skip the wine.
One highlight was when former hostage pianist Alon Ohel and his brother Ronen performed on stage near the end of the ceremony.
The important annual posed photo of heads of diplomatic missions in Israel,
and the military attaches, highlights that Israel is not alone.
Two Mangals – one in Modiin, another in Ramot, and then back to Jerusalem.
A day when the air is filled with the smoke of grilled meat.
In Jerusalem, cars and people surrounded Gan Sacher, Sacher Park, causing a gridlock.
But I got back in time for the event at the Friends of Zion Museum with Solomon Brothers and these dancers.
The celebration was to feature US Ambassador Mike Huckabee, but he was called back to the US and missed all the Yom Haatzmaut celebrations.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana was called to open the event.
The program included awards to Hillel Fuld, seen here with the ambassadors who were present.
Yoseph Haddad, an Israeli Arab who was injured while serving in the IDF in Lebanon, received recognition.
Australian Nate Buzz – Nathaniel Buzolic, who has voiced support for Israel during the Gaza war and visited more than 25 times since 2017, was the third winner and introduced Ben, an injured soldier he befriended.
He received lots of warm hugs from President Rivlin and media attention.
This time, besides the warm welcome, Modi also spoke at the Knesset Plenary.
I went to attend the session where US Ambassador Mike Huckabee was speaking at the Knesset Caucus for Israel–U.S. Relations, initiated by the Ruderman Family Foundation. Chaired by Knesset Member Ohad Tal, it marked the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
“For a $7 trillion-a-year budget, the support that goes to Israel is a tiny blip,” he said.
He mentioned that Americans don’t think about it because Iran is 8,000 miles away. Emphasizing that for over 47 years, Iran has killed thousands of Americans and is working to build a global nuclear threat.
For the distinguished guests, there was a display of Israeli antiquities along a main hall.
The Israel Museum is closed today. Important works were moved to secure locations.
I was there on Thursday to see the new exhibits to celebrate its 60th anniversary.
