Celebrations for Yom Haatzmaut,
Israel Independence Day,
have come to an end for this year.
There were lots of ceremonies, and the Bible Quiz on TV,
and flags flying above the streets and on buildings,
and little Israeli flags clipped on to cars.
As usual, Gan Sacher,
Sacher Park, was the scene of hundreds of family picnics.
People brought chairs and tables and bags of food,
and even mattresses for comfort.
But this couch was a first.
There were smiles from strangers and tents.
Smoke from grills and the sounds of karaoke filled the air.
During the afternoon planes of all sizes
appeared in formation
in the blue skies
and thrilled the crowds below.
Beautiful children with flags and balloons
enjoyed the celebrations.
A group of lone soldiers enjoyed some serious ribs,
grills were fired up all day to feed the hundreds that came.
Tens of thousands celebrated in Gan Sacher,
including one special group of girls,
Bnot Sherut, girls from overseas who are spending
their “gap year” volunteering in Israel.
The media missed their dance performance, but they did find this family
who were happy to share their opinions
of what a beautiful day it was,
concluding with a rousing,
“AM YISRAEL CHAI.”
No it is not snow, even if it’s called “sheleg,”
it’s the dreadful white shaving cream stuff,
this couple found some tinted pink
and had a great time spraying it all around.
I was happy to see less of that messy stuff this year.
And security?
Policewomen were seen checking out the food.
That was all on Thursday, now on Sunday,
I hope this heat wave is over quickly.
The heat and humidity keep me off the streets
and inside with the air conditioner running.
With the holidays over,
it is time for more festivals,.
Education starts tomorrow with an event at the Israel Museum,
and the Jerusalem Light Festival in the Old City
which begins next week, plus
an International Writers’ Festival and Lag B’Omer—
all will be happening in Jerusalem, Israel.
