current-events – Page 2 – The Real Jerusalem Streets

Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem – We Are Still Here

October 13, 2023October 13, 2023Sharon A

In Jerusalem, and all of Israel this has been one horrible week and Israel’s National Security Council-Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a warning on Thursday – against the background of Operation Swords of Iron.

The Hamas leadership has called on all of its supporters around the world to hold a ‘Day of Rage’ on Friday, the 13th, to attack Israelis and Jews. When murderous Hamas makes statements in Arabic, listen carefully.

When one does not know what to do, focus on what you can do. It was time to bake brownies to keep the kids busy with no school. They were as good as they look, sorry the peanut butter ones are long gone.

Scenes of taking the little ones out for a walk, while one parent is at work or called up, or older siblings need to attend classes online, or just get out for some air and breathe are common on the Jerusalem streets.

Please remember, that volunteers are trying their best to fill in for thousands called up for duty or unable to get to work because of young children at home.

President Isaac Herzog invited international journalists to Beit Hanasi, the President’s Residence for a press conference on Thursday morning. It was also broadcast live.

The growing numbers he shared are staggering, and sadly are still going up daily. Remember this is in less than a week, even though it feels like forever and Israel is the size of New Jersey.

Not only Jewish Israelis were murdered or missing, and held captive by Hamas. A rocket from Gaza hit a mosque in the Jerusalem area, but that did not get much media attention.

The international media is worried about the Hamas housing in Gaza being destroyed. I will not share the vile videos gleaned from social media of the depraved terrorists posting their despicable slaughter of innocent humans, including babies. The clip of President Herzog losing his temper when repeatedly asked about Gaza has been posted on social media.

Simple. Hamas is evil. Israel must respond.

Rather this photo essay is to share what is happening on the Jerusalem streets after one week of war.

The flowers and fruits were ready for shoppers to prepare for Shabbat.

The electrical store had an extensive display of batteries to prepare for emergencies.

The toy store was open. People are looking for new ways to entertain children.

The toilet paper, paper towels, and diapers were fully stocked and on display.

These stores that were closed for the Sukkot holiday were being restocked.

On the street, people were taking advantage of the good weather and quiet for food and conversation.

Israeli flags are being displayed on buildings and popping up on cars.

I missed Zot Habracha last week being read on Simhat Torah. Our synagogue was closed before I arrived.

This week we start the cycle again with Beresheet, In the Beginning.

There is good and evil.

The world should now know the difference, we have seen – that Hamas is ISIS is Jihad is evil.

Best wishes for a Shabbat Shalom.

From the Jerusalem streets to around the world – We are still here!

Jerusalem New Signs for Rosh Hashana

September 13, 2020Sharon A

It was hard not to get whiplash in Jerusalem, Israel, this past week.

The extremes of the good news and bad were so sharp it was hard to keep up.

While the 4.5 million Israelis who usually go overseas for their summer holidays had to stay home because of the pandemic situation, Israel’s nature spots were fully booked. Now a holiday lockdown is predicted as the number of COVID-19 infections rises.

Schools opened. Schools closed. Classes were on Zoom. Students were home.

Oh, and there was a heatwave, making going outside unpleasant!

The humidity rose in the evening making the nights unusually uncomfortable. But over the Jerusalem streets, clouds produced lovely and colorful sunsets like this one over the Israel Museum, partially illuminated in the center of the photo.

The demand for electricity caused random power outages. However, these Jerusalem street lights did not go off in the morning light and needed professional attention.

An unusual sports excitement, Dean Kremer, the first Israeli ever drafted by a US Major League Baseball team made his major league debut for the Baltimore Orioles. He pitched a great game, and even though they beat the Yankees, Israeli Yankee fans were impressed enough to take to social media.

Trying to get back to some sort of normal with coronavirus has been difficult for theaters, cultural festivals and events. The Film & Conversation group in Baka/Katamon is planning to move outside Beit Yehudit at night on 13 September.

Signs were up for performances in theater courtyards.

The ‘Stars Outside’ signs were up again, trying to get audience to attend.

The Hansen House announced a designer’s event.

And a new sign for new Jerusalem local elections in November.

Rosh Hashana begins on Friday night.

After Shabbat, the Ashkenazim joined the Sefardim in Selichot, who have already been saying them for a month. Due to COVID-19 regulations, this year there was a special prayer service with special seating in Kikar Safra, the Jerusalem Municipal plaza.

The late-night musical Selihot were led by Yizhak Meir and broadcast on YouTube and Facebook. An announcement was made at the end that people should not crowd, but leave in ‘capsules’ and small groups.

Meanwhile, not far away, at the same time, the anti-Bibi protesters were back for the 12th week.

The new Jerusalem street signs for a successful New Year,

and a year of happiness.

Pomegranates are another sign of Rosh Hashana.

Apples and honey and success are yet another New Year sign.

Reports that Egyptians are now trying to get Hamas to release the bodies of Hadar Goldin, and Oron Shaul. Avera Mengistu has been held captive in Gaza for six years.

It’s time to bring the boys home.

Selihot last year, over 1,000 people attended the Jerusalem Great Synagogue.

It has been closed since the spring and will remain closed for the High Holy Days this year.

The Kotel, Western Wall, usually crowded with tens of thousands for Selihot, had a limited crowd, divided into ‘capsules,’ and only filled up well after midnight.

What a year 5780 has been!

So there you have some of the ups and downs, good and bad, certainly different, of the past week

Coming in so strongly, the Hebrew year 5780 Jerusalem hit record numbers in tourism. It was then hit with a pandemic and closed borders to overseas tourists.

Now with prospects of normalization with Gulf neighbors, there should be euphoria. But new closures dampen holiday planning. No one really knows what will be for the next day, next week, next month, certainly not next year.