Friends of Zion Museum – The Real Jerusalem Streets

A big day for diplomacy, but a slow day for the Jerusalem streets

December 7, 2025December 7, 2025Sharon A

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is in Jerusalem on his first visit to Israel as Chancellor of Germany.

Across Israel, on December 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was marked with conferences, accessibility campaigns, and some Jerusalem public buildings lit in purple.

The Tower of David, including the walls, was lit purple at night.

I was disappointed that Beit Hanasi was not purple like last year as I walked by on my way home from a special event at the Friends of Zion Museum (FoZ).

Every event at FoZ has been a unique experience. I never know what to expect.

However, the music was often provided by The Solomon Brothers. They opened the VIP event of the Ambassador Summit 2025. One thousand pastors and influencers came to Israel for a week-long special mission under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mike Evans’ FoZ

President Isaac Herzog received a warm welcome upon arriving in the FoZ Media Center.

The Israeli President was the opening speaker, welcoming the leaders of the 1000-strong Ambassador Summit 2025. “In the city of faith, it means so much,” he told them in his remarks.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee spoke brilliantly to the mission initiated by Dr. Mike Evans, a Christian leader and influencer, in cooperation with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ambassador Huckabee emphasized the importance of the friendship between Israel and the United States and the moral responsibility of the evangelical community to stand with Israel in its time of crisis.

“Come and see it for yourselves…my opinions don’t matter…land of Israel dry bones come to life, I have seen it in my own life…God keeps every promise he makes to us, even when we do not keep the promises we make to Him…faith… I’m giving you a place – Israel – a people, a place, and purpose… Without the Jewish faith, there would be no Christian faith.”

Immediately after the Ambassador spoke, the President left for his next scheduled appearance.

Well, after the official photo of the five leaders together. I stayed upstairs for a better, less crowded view.

Their buses traveled around Israel this week to see the truth for themselves and go back to share with their communities. Amb. Huckabee told them to come back and to bring a group with them.

On a pleasant day, there was time to take a walk and see the stalls along the Old Train Track.

With access to the businesses along Emek Refaim Street almost impossible to access because of light rail construction, they were put up as alternative venues to buy food.

The First Station has a new bike path, but much is also closed off because of construction.

Most everywhere in Jerusalem, if you dig down, you will find something. Archaeologists are examining the site before the new light rail station construction proceeds.

The Tuesday farmers’ market at First Station has had fresh produce for the past two years.

However, these stalls were without merchandise or sellers.

It was sad to take a photo with more cats than people on a nice afternoon.

Hopefully, the tourists will return soon as we enter the holiday season.

The Jerusalem Hanukkah lights above the streets were turned on.

One store window was ready for the holiday early.

Things are slowly returning to normal on the Jerusalem streets, despite all the construction and war.

However, there are still thousands of reserve soldiers on duty protecting our borders.

And still, one Israeli, Ran Gvili, a policeman murdered on October 7, is held hostage in Gaza.

Remember, ALL the hostages were to be returned in the first phase of the Trump 20-point ceasefire deal, before going on to the second phase.

Hopefully, the 1,000 members of the Ambassador Mission will go home and spread the truth of what’s really happening on the Jerusalem streets and all over Israel.

Hope to see you soon on the Jerusalem streets.

Jerusalem protests, beating drums but more

August 17, 2025August 17, 2025Sharon A

Oh, the Jerusalem streets…

Where to begin and what to share?

The shouting of protesters beating drums as they go by, or the oppressive heat wave that has lifted?

The noise has moved on to the Prime Minister’s office or the President’s Residence.

But for most of the Jerusalem streets, it’s summer and the long summer holiday time.

And as usual, more is happening than the negative headlines you see in international news sites.

The color on the umbrellas over Yoel Salomon Street is fading under the hot summer sun.

But notice, people were strolling along as the evening breeze approached.

New street signs! Ok, not headline worthy.

However interesting, the words are so small, and how King David Street is David HaMelekh Street.

When it comes to news, there was a Newsmax event on August 13, 2025. Newsmax hosted its postponed Fourth of July celebration. Jodie Cohen interviewed Ambassador Mike Huckabee.

I made sure to say hello to Mrs. Janet Huckabee, who found the best seat at the Waldorf.

The reception went on outside while the seated room was readied for the Prime Minister.

The audience was welcomed, as Prime Minister Netanyahu was late to arrive.

I was able to get my photos before having to leave. The speech is on YouTube, so I did not miss it.

However, the next night was a highlight of the week I want to share with you.

The Good Medicine experience was indeed interesting and positive.

At the Friends of Zion, FoZ, the main program featured Chief Joseph and Dr. Laralyn RiverWind, founders of FireKeepers International, a Native American charitable organization.

Ateret Shmuel of Indigenous Bridges introduced and organized the evening.

The exchange of a Meaningful gift was symbolic of shared ideas and love.

Former Deputy Jerusalem Mayor Fleur Hassan Nahoum showed the gift she had received from the RiverWinds. She emphasized indigenous rights as Jerusalem was founded by King David.

Yes, everyone needs love and encouragement with all the negative news. Daniel Voiczek of FoZ offered thanks to the RiverWinds for their time in Israel supporting IDF soldiers.

Their presentation blended storytelling, traditional music, and cultural wisdom.

Offering hope, warrior to warrior, this was an evening of positive thoughts and feelings.

Of course, there is more on the Jerusalem streets. The National Library of Israel has its annual documentary festival from August 17 to 21, 2025.

And off soon to the Train Theater for the opening of the annual Puppet Festival.

It’s summer in Jerusalem. On and off the Jerusalem streets, it’s festival season.

Hard to believe next week is Rosh Chodesh Elul.

Time is flying.

Watch as Jerusalem Streets fill with flags, festivals and flowers

May 11, 2025May 11, 2025Sharon A

May in Jerusalem, Israel, is when the weather goes from winter to summer, seemingly overnight.

One day you need boots and the next sandals and a hat to protect you from the sun.

The universities announce their honorees as their boards arrive for meetings.

Even with the war for over a year and a half, these annual events seem to be happening.

It’s “back to normal.”

For the arrival of US Ambassador Mike Huckabee, many mega-welcome events have taken place.

One was at the Friends of Zion Museum on Tuesday night, with Israeli flags lining the way for guests.

The FoZ Media Center was packed as Ambassador Huckabee received the Friend of Zion award menorah.

He ended his remarks – “After being in Israel so many times and going home, this time I am home.”

He also complimented his US Embassy staff, who have kept things going with multiple ambassadors, especially Deputy Head of Mission Stephanie Hallett, who was in the audience with her husband.

Omer Shem Tov and his family were also smiling. Omer, kidnapped on October 7, shared his ordeal: “I was 505 days in Gaza in captivity. When I was there, my belief in G-D came so strong, every day I woke up and thanked G-D that I have air in my lungs, a little food on my plate, and that my family is safe in Israel.”

However, also speaking at the event was Ilan Dalal, the father of Guy Gilboa Dalal, who was kidnapped from the Nova festival. He is still being held captive by Hamas, and his parents fight on for his release.

“Free the hostages now,” is hard to ignore on many Jerusalem streets.

But at the same time, signs are up for Education Week in Jerusalem, May 18-22, 2025.

The Jerusalem International Writers Festival and Book Forum is set for May 19-22.

Outside the new National Library of Israel

And first, this week is the National Library of Israel’s Conference: Marking 20 Years of the Historical Jewish Press Project, held over three days at the new campus.