Jerusalem marathon – Page 9 – The Real Jerusalem Streets

Jerusalem Marathon 2014

March 24, 2014rjstreets

The sun was shining for the 4th International Jerusalem Marathon,

as 26,000 runners raced through the Jerusalem, Israel streets,

and the winner came in with a record-breaking time.

Streets were closed,

so everyone had to walk to get to check in and the starting line.

Once a year the graffiti is white-washed away and

a new banner is hung near the full marathon finish line.

Besides the full and half marathons there are other popular races.

Thousands lined up at the starting line for the 10 kilometer run.

The young and not so young, most dressed in colorful shirts,

and their enthusiasm off the start was contagious.

Entertainers on stilts were dressed in flag-colored costumes,

near a special course for shorter races for the young and disabled.

Supporters lined the streets watching and waiting.

Along the routes were

water stations.

It was hard to get through the crowd in Gan Sacher, Sacher Park

at the start of the 10 K race.

With so many events running at once, it was hard to find family members,

but we did see the winner of the women’s full marathon.

Over 50 countries were represented, and many religions,

but we only saw one runner from Brazil kiss the finish line.

Separate awards for Israeli winners were presented for best times.

Loud music pumped through the park, which could be heard kilometers away.

The runners at the end of their races and arriving for medals,

were separated by fences from the crowds of spectators.

But some proud grandmothers knew how to get around barriers for a special hug.

And then there was the walk home.

The sun was hot.

Some runners were still approaching the finish line,

even as the streets were opened to traffic at one o’clock.

Thousands of shekels were raised for charity.

Everyone who participated was a winner.

Many have been inspired to try next year,

to enter or to train for a longer race.

The Real Jerusalem Streets Facebook

Jerusalem Marathon album has many more photos HERE.

I wonder how many faces you will recognize?

Remember last year? If not see:

Jerusalem Marathon 2013

Did you Hear About Jerusalem Marathon 2013?

March Madness: Purim, Now Jerusalem Marathon

March 19, 2014rjstreets

March Madness has a different meaning in Jerusalem, Israel.

Purim is a holiday that is celebrated to the max by everyone!

Not just for March Purim Madness time,

but all year around Queen Esther has her own street.

School children start with Purim on the first day of the month of Adar,

and this being a leap year, we had two months!

Gift baskets for Mishloah manot have been on sale for weeks.

The story of Esther was read in thousands of locations.

There were readings all Purim day at different restaurants,

Zazza on Azza by Chabad Rechavia was a huge success!

Some families take their costumes very seriously,

this one even dressed up their dog for a Purim outing.

One of my favorite costumes this year

was this baby as a super-sized bag of popcorn in a baby carrier.

There were a lot of winged-creatures on the streets.

OMG, this fellow looks just like Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat.

And HATS, lots of hats,

big hats,

fur hats,

pairs of hats,

hats with ears,

colorful hats,

and hats with feathers,

and here are more popular Indian feathers this year.

Not sure that his shaved head was only for Purim.

and this I really did not understand!

In busy Mamilla Mall there were lots of balloons.

Posing with cartoon characters

was for everyone, not only small children wanted photos.

Also spotted in Mamilla Mall,

at least one Santa’s helper,

a Google guy,

and one serious Arab shooter, aiming a nice Canon camera.

Some costumes

were obvious,

while others, a costume or not?

Thousands were in Mamilla Mall, but I thought it was less crowded this year than last.

First Station also attracted crowds this year,

and now some of the area is protected from the weather.

But watch out for wild animals!

And there were lines for the ice skating rink at First Station.

So by the time Shushan Purim,

the day Purim is celebrated in Jerusalem, Israel, is over,

posting photos seems like ending a marathon.

And now the streets are filled with signs for Friday’s

Jerusalem Marathon.

So until next year, Happy Purim.

More photos for those of you not fortunate enough to be in Jerusalem, Israel for Purim.

7 New Signs in Jerusalem

February 26, 2014rjstreets

My father was born in the USA and served in the army during World War II.

He would not let even a small item made in Germany into our house.

Chancellor Angela Merkel and her delegation of 16 German government ministers

just visited Jerusalem, Israel.

Prime Minister Netanyahu welcomed her with the words

“Israel and Germany have a unique bond forged of tragedy and hope,

and a great friendship and cooperation.”

Then she was awarded Israel’s Presidential Medal,

a sign of how much things have changed.

2. Anyone who knows a 6-year old, kita aleph first grader,

knows that countless tables with piles of food,

like this one in Heichal Shlomo,

are the reward for sitting through hours of presentations.

This artistic creation is a sign of a siddur party,

only one of this week’s many extravaganzas,

where new readers receive their first prayer-book.

3. New bus signs were up on Friday.

Time will tell whether all the route and number changes are improvements.

But new #15 bus took us straight to bus station in minutes!

There was another new sign near the bus stop.

4. The “pillbox” got a new sign.

Please read it carefully.

In Palestine, in 1936, Arabs were rioting against Jews.

Long before the State of Israel was established,

the British built these to protect and defend themselves against Arab attacks.

The new Cinema City had its grand opening this week.

There was a small protest because it is to be closed on Shabbat.

5. But also, this sign with many new Shabbat activities was posted.

6. New signs for the Jerusalem Marathon seem to be popping up everywhere,

especially along the route of the March 21st race.

7. And to end with my favorite sign of spring,

the spring flowers blooming in the Valley of the Cross.

All photos available for purchase.