culture – Page 75 – The Real Jerusalem Streets

Prime Minister Stephen Harper from Where?

January 22, 2014rjstreets

Timing and location are everything.

I was feeling badly for Romanian President Basescu who is here for an official state visit.

Though the Romanian flag was flying over some main Jerusalem, Israel streets,

his visit seemed so overshadowed by

the visit of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife Laureen.

PM Harper received a red carpet welcome,

and a full honor guard review.

Israeli political leaders lined up to shake his hand,

along with Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat and many religious leaders,

and Jewish leaders from Canada.

It was as close to a royal reception as you will find in Israel.

But then I talked with an Israeli receptionist,

she was much more interested in my camera than these photos.

She had no idea who Harper was and seemed to care less.

One of those famous Jerusalem chutzpah cats

came through to check out the flowers and red carpet.

But unless you were stuck in traffic with all the various motorcades,

it seems possible not to have even noticed.

As a new snow storm is hitting North America,

the weather here has been perfect.

The trees damaged in the Jerusalem December snow in Gan Sacher, Sacher Park

look stark against the blue sky,

but the first wild flowers of spring are popping out.

The overseas visitors are heading home,

and the Israeli President and Prime Minister are leaving

for the World Economic Conference in Davos,

so the Jerusalem streets should be a bit quieter for a few days.

Perfect time to head out for lunch in an out-door cafe,

and enjoy the warm sunny weather,

another good reason to be living in Jerusalem, Israel.

Tu B’Shvat is Here

January 16, 2014January 26, 2025rjstreets

Tu B’Shvat, the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat,

is called the ‘new year for trees’.

The new growth season is beginning in Israel.

This afternoon hundreds, perhaps thousands of trees,

small plants and flowers, real and paper,

walked home with children from gan.

The older children were not in school at all,

but for younger children, Tu B’Shvat is a major fun holiday.

Tu B’Shvat, Jerusalem Transitions

Tu B’Shvat, Jerusalem Transitions

January 15, 2014rjstreets

This week was one of transition in Jerusalem, Israel.

It started with the funeral of a former Prime Minister.

The blue and white draped casket of Ariel Sharon was

surrounded by floral wreathes in the plaza of the Knesset.

The gates were opened allowing the public inside.

As it got dark,

the crowd lingered after the announced closing time.

Holding an Israeli flag was a good way to get attention.

A few familiar faces were in the crowd.

This woman insisted on lighting a candle and looked so sad.

While this man became very emotional after he saluted the casket.

What impressed me most was how different it was

to the memorial of Yitzhak Shamir.

There was very little Jewish about this event.

The Knesset honor guard was in step when they changed shifts,

but no one was saying Tehilim, Psalms, out loud.

Thousands of Jewish Ethiopians came to farewell Shamir.

Here a colorful wreath was on display from an Ethiopian church.

Outside at night, in winter, with memorial candles spelling Arik Sharon,

but there were no family members present to accept condolences.

Shamir’s memorial was run to the minute,

while this one dragged quietly into the night.

For two days traffic was a mess.

A security blimp hovered over the Knesset.

Jerusalem was on high alert with dignitaries arriving from all over the world.

Meanwhile, this woman sat in a park not far away,

but that is a whole other blog post for Israellycool.

And then,

there was an amazing sunset,

some of it seen here over the Israel Museum.

The 65 birthday of the Knesset was celebrated,

with the public invited to a slew of activities.

The African protesters of last week went back to Tel Aviv.

The snow storm clean up will be going on for some time,

but it was warm enough today to go without a coat.

The lemons are looking ready to pick.

Fancy fruit baskets are ready to deliver.

In the flower shop I was asked to take a date to eat

in honor of Tu B’Shvat, The New Year for Trees.

The transition from the funeral at the beginning of the week,

can really be felt today

on the Jerusalem, Israel streets.

Spring, renewal, rebirth are in the air.

Tu B’shvat is coming.