Jerusalem, Israel – what is really happening
Oh, Jerusalem.
How does the city sit solitary, that was full of people!
So begins Eicha, the Book of Lamentations read at night on Tisha B’Av.
We are in what is known as the Nine Days that end with Tisha B’Av, Wednesday night, and Thursday, August 29 – 30, 2020.
With the COVID-19 restrictions, the Old City will not be teeming with crowds as usual.
This view from the step toward Plaza of the Kotel, the Western Wall, is well known.
The area inside called Wilson’s Arch is not as familiar. This inside space had been closed much of the time due to coronavirus restrictions.
However, this week on the eve of Rosh Chodesh Av, leading Israeli rabbis attended a special afternoon service to pray for health and relief from the coronavirus pandemic.
Underneath the Jerusalem streets, excavations continue with new finds.
A significant administrative storage center from the days of Kings Hezekiah and Manasseh (8th century to the middle of the 7th century BCE) was recently been exposed in an archaeological excavation near the US Embassy in the Arnona neighborhood of Jerusalem.
Restoration work has progressed on the Pilgrims’ Path.
This is the road underground which runs from Shiloah Pool to the Old City, where the Jewish Temples once stood.
The actual old stones remain along what was the busy route on the holidays thousands of years ago.
Three years ago when it was first opened to media,
this video was recorded for an official explanation.
The Roman market place might have looked like this scene.
Under Pilgrim Road, the drainage system has also been excavated. This is where the last Jews hid until the Romans found and murdered them.
The earth removed was carefully searched for bits of history, last year we participated in the sifting project. The best we found were nice pieces of pottery.
However, discoveries include this Roman coin issued after the destruction of Jerusalem.
Five years ago, the exhibit “By the Rivers of Babylon” opened at the Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem, see HERE, and is still a favorite.
With only limited attendance allowed in museums now due to coronavirus health restrictions, a new feature was a virtual tour of BLMJ.
The Romans destroyed the Temple and leveled Jerusalem.
The Jewish inhabitants were murdered or exiled.
Stones of destruction as they remain today.
For the first time in many years, I do not plan to walk around the walls of the Old City on Tisha B’Av.
Crowds will not pack into the Kotel, Western Wall plaza this year.
COVID-19 restrictions are limiting the annual walk to 50 people.
How does the city sit solitary, that was full of people!
Next year in Jerusalem, even for those of us in Jerusalem has taken on new meaning.
It had to happen here in Jerusalem, Israel.
The hot weather had to arrive.
We are well into summertime in the Middle East.
This past week was still cool in the evening and pleasant.
But, today it’s hot outside.
July 14th was Bastille Day, celebrated in France with an official ceremony including a military marching band – “Liberty, Equality, and Brotherhood.”
In Jerusalem, the 14th was marked by a huge protest rally under the banner of “Siege of Balfour.” Protests are allowed under Israeli law, even when COVID-19 restrictions are the most severe stages. Most other gatherings, on the other hand, have been limited in numbers to try to control the spread during this coronavirus pandemic.
After the main protest rally with its noise and drums and shouts, it quieted a bit near midnight. We could hear the noises a mile away.
There have been protesters near Paris Square for a month, close to the Prime Minister’s Residence.
Gilad Shalit’s family was there for years until he was released from Gaza.
Most weeks since, someone has a protest there. I have taken photos, but not always shared them.
However, this was more than the regular noisy protest.
A paper recycling bin was set on fire, and enough protesters to fill a bus were taken away by police after being sprayed by water.
The truck was a little late getting to the protest scene. After making a wrong turn, the driver had to back the oversized vehicle out of our small, one-way street VERY carefully.
These protests have made headlines. The social workers are still on strike, but they’re not violent, making them less newsworthy.
Nurses are ready to strike also?
No idea what next, but can share what did happen:
Israeli Scouts in uniform and masks met on Tuesday for an outing.
A group of young children gathered in this shaded nature spot. I liked how their backpacks were hanging from a cord – carefully distanced. I was reminded of the days when parents thought that head lice was the worst possible of plagues.
The Israeli Football (soccer) final had one spectator – President Reuven Rivlin.
Twenty years after the withdrawal from Lebanon, President Rivlin visited the northern border on Thursday, beginning his visit with the operations room at Camp Biranit. I thought the plates of healthy food on the table were interesting.
I have plenty of border photos from January. Seems so long ago, when I was near the Blue Line, on the Israeli border of Lebanon.
The Jerusalem Film Festival (JFF) announced the end of its plans to run a delayed physical edition at the end of August. Following a surge in COVID-19 cases, new restrictions on large-scale gatherings have been introduced.
Last year President Reuven Rivlin was the honored speaker as the event was dedicated in memory of the wife Nechama z’L. Dr. Ruth was a special guest.
In 2016, the Jerusalem Film Festival attracted even more photographers to the opening night in the Sultan’s Pool.
Director Quentin Tarantino received an award from Mayor Nir Barkat before the film.
Even as many restaurants, museums, and buildings are forced to close, construction
on the new Israel National Library,
and other Jerusalem building projects are proceeding.
Gan Sacher, Sacher Park, was empty in the morning as sprinklers water the grass.
The path in Valley of the Cross leading into the park was quiet.
Then a few minutes later – it was best to get out of the way!
How many times I have walked by this location and not noticed the beautiful green grapes growing?
Maybe because I did not look up over the garbage bin to see them?
Too many people walk looking down at their phones not seeing what is around them.
Wearing masks. Not wearing masks.
Another week under coronavirus pandemic.
Always something different happening on the Jerusalem streets.
While many people are suffering, nature is thriving.
Take care out there and stay well.
