Ofek
Many streets are shut and empty before protest rally.
The sun is trying to break through,
but the sky is full of sand over entrance of city.
Not the best day to visit Jerusalem, Israel.
culture
Welcome Presidents to Jerusalem Winter Noise
February,
it was so warm outside that I could not walk in the morning sun,
yet inside this afternoon I need boots, a sweater and to put on heat!
The US had Presidents Day,
but we also had our share of Presidents this week.
Flags were flying for Peru President Ollanta Humala’s visit.
The annual Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations
held its 40th Mission this week in Jerusalem, Israel.
Not just presidents attended the main dinner event.
US Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro was welcomed by
Malcolm Hoenlein, the executive vice chairman of the Conference.
After Shapiro spoke and left,
Hoenlein and PM Benjamin Netanyahu put their heads together.
I already blogged about that speech on Israellycool in a lite way,
but today showed we can make a difference.
I wondered what Moshe Arens was thinking as he listened.
The size of the gift from Hoenlein to the Prime Minister was a joking matter!
UPDATE:
Later in the week President Shimon Peres got the same gift.
With intense security precautions and not full ballroom,
that dinner was worlds away from what was happening right outside.
Every Monday night in February, in a different site is
a Jerusalem street festival called שאון חורף – Winter Noise.
This week all of Azza Street,
starting across from the Prime Ministers’ residence was the happening.
Along the way were several musical groups,
illuminated buildings,
and street acts, many hard to describe or photograph.
Sorry I did not get in all of the skis, but think I got all the flags.
Just please do not ask me what this was supposed to be,
and I will spare you of more
‘I have no idea what this is supposed to be’ acts.
I am sure that I have that graffiti face in other street photos.
The mikvah for women located in Yad Tamar finally reopened,
after it was shut for a very long time for repairs.
I could not help feel sorry for some young tourist using it that night!
Usually boring and quiet, the building was bright
and people were dancing in street outside.
Hundreds of people were out and many were drinking beer.
Trying to control drinking, at one main site
signs were posted for 18-year old entrance and IDs.
Who knows what these two men must have thought?
Perhaps like they had found themselves in another planet!
The next morning the street was clean.
This the only sign of Winter Noise,
though I imagine at least a few people had some dark circles
under their eyes from lack of sleep.
Watch out Ein Kerem, it is your turn next week.
Never know what you will find next on the Jerusalem streets.
I would like to mention that
photos are available for purchase.
Israeli Knesset – Hadassah Outside and What’s Inside
The Israeli Knesset is open to the public.
But getting a chance to join a tour
with the Jerusalem Press Club and get a behind the scenes look
is hard to turn down,
especially when I can take my camera.
People behind bars?
Yes-striking workers from Hadassah Hospital,
hundreds of them in the Wohl Rose Garden,
demonstrating across from the Knesset.
Too bad PA leaders were not around
to see what a peaceful protest really looks like.
Problems have built up for years in the medical center,
and the complicated situation affects everyone.
The latest news – 90 day delay and staff is to get 90% of their salary.
Hadassah medical specialists are experts at saving lives,
not for organizing protest rallies that offer dramatic photo ops.
The demonstration could easily be seen from the Knesset.
Hopefully a resolution will be worked out soon.
Hadassah is essential to everyone in the Jerusalem, Israel area and beyond.
With security it always takes awhile to get inside the building.
A year ago after elections, a paper poster with the members of the Knesset
with their photos was posted by the entrance doors.
There were so many new faces,
that the guards needed photos to show who should be allowed in.
Now there is a screen which shows which of the 120 members
are present in the building and which are not.
The modern-day legislature has 120 members,
similar to the number of members of the Knesset Gedolah of ancient times.
We got to walk around and
see some of the small meeting rooms and many works of art.
In one of many photo galleries, this one of deceased Prime Ministers of Israel,
a spot is ready for Ariel Sharon’s photo.
The view inside the main plenary is familiar to all.
The room was packed when Stephen Harper,
the Prime Minister of Canada, spoke here recently.
But European Parliament President Martin Schulz and
David Cameron, Prime Minister of Great Britain,
are to speak also, but with much less hoopla.
UPDATE: Seems Schulz’s remarks did get noticed after all!
And Cameron had to cancel due to floods in England.
Every Knesset member had a copy of the State Comptroller’s report at their place.
But a few had other reading material on their desk.
I was glad to find at least one person is interested in the laws of shemita.
There was Rav Rimon’s book on the laws of planting in the seventh year,
but I could not clearly read whose name was on that screen.
The year is coming soon, last time in the cycle was a challenge.
The Knesset synagogue was on our tour,
but next time I really want to get a photo of the Muslim prayer room too.
MK Nachman Shai of Labor Party shared some of his views.
He had to leave to prepare his remarks,
as is the custom,
every Monday afternoon at 4:00 pm,
the opposition tries to “bring down the government.”
I guess he did not get a majority vote.
The present coalition government stands.
We are still here.
But Opposition is waiting to “ambush” at the right time of course.”
What a country!