Jerusalem photos – Page 156 – The Real Jerusalem Streets

Ready to Celebrate Israel’s 64th Independence Day

April 24, 2012rjstreets

If you are not in Jerusalem this week

you are missing out on a very special time,

as Jerusalem gets ready for Yom Ha’atzmaut, Independence Day.

The weather has been cool and sunny during the day, with clear blue skies,

as the streets fill with blue and white Israeli flags.

At major intersections someone is usually selling flags for car windows.

Even Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu stopped his motorcade to buy a flag.

It is reported that he gave the seller a 5 shekel tip.

I wonder how you report that for taxes?

As you can see,

in some neighborhoods business has been very good this year.

This flag was one I had not seen before. It reads “God, He is King.”

The long Israeli flags are flying and ready for Independence Day,

but yesterday I was lucky to see…

the dress rehearsal of planes as they flew over

the Knesset Building

and the Israel Museum.

They were fast, loud and high in the sky as they flew away from Jerusalem.

There was time for one photo as they were coming towards me,

just before they split from their perfect formation.

This morning, the sad music on the radio has begun…

for first we will experience the flames and tears of Yom Hazikaron,

Remembrance Day for the fallen soldiers and victims of terror.

After remembering those lost in war and to terror attacks,

then it will be time to celebrate Israel’s 64th Independence Day.

Passover Leftovers

April 16, 2012rjstreets

Passover has ended.

I used 150 eggs, large quantities of potatoes, onions,

sugar and chocolate this week,

and not one cookie or crumb of cake is left in the house.

However, there are still a few holiday leftovers that I would like to share.

Flags lined Israel Highway #6 for millions of people on their holiday trips,

while in Jerusalem you could find dancing on the streets

and families dressed in their holiday finest.

Crowds filled Gan Sacher, Sacher Park.

At times there seemed to be more tents than during “The Occupy Protest”

and so much smoke that I made the mistake of calling it “Gan Smoker.”

Gan Sacher is big enough, though, to find a quiet spot

for conversation, grilled meat and a bottle wine.

No need to go hungry in Jerusalem for lack of Passover food,

these matzah sandwiches were for sale across from the Central Bus station,

where “Happy Holiday of Freedom” signs and Israeli flags flew above.

I wrote the last post about the Aleh Jerusalem March

(make sure you haven’t missed it)

and the impressive young volunteers,

but these two children sharing a bag of potato chips were my favorite.

Those are a few favorite Passover leftovers, so that’s it…

until next year, when the buses again say,

” Kosher and Happy Passover.”

9 Photos Jerusalem Prepares for Passover

April 6, 2012rjstreets

Passover time in Jerusalem:

the purple flowers against the blue sky make a beautiful picture

and the aloe flowers are in full bloom.

The office supply store did not have the notebook I needed,

but had plenty of Passover food gift baskets.

The sushi store was closed for day to get ready to serve food on Passover.

Massive pots of boiling water

and blow torches to get rid of that last bit of bread or chametz

can be found on many streets.

Flowers for holiday table centerpieces are abundant,

as is matzah and more matzah.

Finally, to the many people

travelling for the holiday, welcome to Jerusalem

and where ever you are we hope it is a healthy and safe

Chag Kasher v’sameach!

Happy Passover!

Happy Easter to all our many Christian friends!