Oh, what a year 2021 was in Jerusalem, Israel, and around the world.
Jerusalem Jaffa Gate should have been filled with visitors this past week. However, it was quiet enough for these young people to film a video.
In Mamilla Mall people were waiting to be checked to enter a store, not for weapons but for a corona-mandated green pass.
As most people can only dream of flying off to Paris for this holiday, a cosmetic company brought the Eifel Tower to Jerusalem’s Mamilla Mall.
We did have some magnificent sunsets to say bye-bye to 2021.
Much of the past year is a one with a time blur, one day running into another. But I can remember where I was standing and who I was speaking with on the phone so many, many years ago when my young son walked in and saw him wearing an IDF uniform for the first time.
“Warrior” / “לוחמת” a new exhibit in memory of Hadas Malka HY’D opened at the Friends of Zion Museum on December 28, 2021.
Hadas Malka, 23, of Moshav Givat Ezer in central Israel, died of wounds sustained in a terrorist attack on June 16, 2017, 22 Sivan 5777, outside the Old City at Jerusalem’s Damascus Gate where she was on guard duty.
The exhibit was initiated by her parents David and Geula Malka to illuminate her character, known for diligence and accomplishments.
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, Deputy Mayor Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, former Ambassador Michael Oren, leaders of the Israeli Police, and Border Police joined the Malka family.
The opening event included speeches to the seated dignitaries and officers.
“If we don’t protect Jerusalem, there will be no State,” was projected on the screen as the Mayor spoke.
Yes, and also we remember the relief when the army service finally came to an end, very different from the Malka family.
Another Jerusalem event held at the Vert Hotel the last week of 2021, celebrated the vision and legacy of the Zionist leader Ze’ev Jabotinsky.
The first panel was led by Yifat Erlich, on opportunities for young Olim in Jerusalem 2021. Included were successful immigrants Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Fleur Hassan-Nahoum and Irina Reider. Plus, Yossi Tsuria, CEO of Hilma – Hitech for Society and Security, which includes Carmel 6000, whose programs encourage advanced tech training. Modern chaluztim, today’s young pioneers given a start in very different fields.
The hotel ballroom was filled. People were repeatedly asked to wear masks.
Oh 2021, what a year it was in Jerusalem! I wondered if that would be the last large event – for how long?
As mentioned before, Hansen House has changed so much over the past 10 years, going from an abandoned desolate shell to a site of culture and tech.
At night after a rain delay, ZER0|1NE the hybrid digital art festival took place exploring the connection between art, technology, myth, and magic.
ZER0|1NEin 2021 aimed to examine the place of technologies and applications with hybrid programming, live and online zoom options.
“Slowly we are beginning to see the community of digital artists blossoming in Israel, and we are excited to give a platform and place to those artists. We hope to grow from year to year and to expand the stage for other artists, and more original productions, while deepening the connection between the creative world and the technological world here in Israel” stated Danielle Zini one of the artistic directors.
The open courtyard design of Conrad Shick’s Hansen House so long ago home for lepers, the venue for corona events looking toward the future.
Paris Fountain in France Square is one of the hundreds of Jerusalem constructions sites unfinished in 2021, a new sign says May 2022 it will be finished.
Another sign near the full 10th Jerusalem Marathon finish line is a favorite and is still up from the event held in October. Only 200 meters to go!
For those of us who made it through 2021, here’s hoping the year ahead is a good and healthy one. Well done!
Instead of recounting the past year as many are doing, I decided to only review the unique events of the past week.
These signs have been posted over Jerusalem streets. Even though many students are presently back on Zoom school, it’s time to register for next year’s places in nursery and elementary schools.
It’s time to look to the future, to a better and hopefully healthier 2022.
Still hoping to see you on the Jerusalem streets- and soon!
