Another week in Jerusalem, Israel, filled with euphoric highs and painful lows.
Plus a few constants thrown in to keep us on track as we move forward.
During the third week of February, the week of US President’s Day, it’s time to share a Jerusalem street sign for George Washington Street near the other US President – Abraham Lincoln Street.
Tu Bishvat was this past week, in the US it was celebrated by receiving a buksor (carob) pod. In Jerusalem, hundreds of pods littered the ground under the carob trees.
Tu Bishvat and the almond blossoms were bursting out on trees along Jerusalem streets.
It was good to get to the Botanical Gardens and the Japanese Pagoda in time to see the cherry blossoms.
A favorite sign of spring is the wildflowers popping up in nature spots.
Even better to see them in the new growth in the area below the Israel Museum destroyed by fire.
Overcast windy days are good for getting photos of the flags at the Knesset. However, there were no big celebrations for the Tu Bishvat this year. The Knesset’s first session was on Tu Bishvat and a major celebration on the 50th year at this site was nine years ago.
This year an empty chair sits in the Knesset corridor waiting for the hostages to come home.
The anguished screams of relatives who come each day are too painful to share.
In contrast, the silence next to the Knesset is the Bird Observatory still empty during the day.
By the Memorial Candle in Gan Sacher, the wreaths for the end of January commemoration of the siege of Leningrad were wilting. The world is very different than it was 5 years ago when it was dedicated.
Though Tu Bishvat is thought to be a sign of spring, much of the Jerusalem weather was wet and cold.
However, this young man seemed to enjoy the pool of water at one construction site.
So many areas are under construction for the light rail, that it is hard to walk on the Jerusalem streets.
Most seats were reserved Thursday evening at Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s Residence.
Supreme Court Judges and the over-filled audience in the room rose as the President entered.
President Isaac Herzog signed the document appointing the new head of the Supreme Court Yitzhak Amit, as Amit looked on from the podium to the right side of the official table.
The previous heads of the Supreme Court posed for a photo after the speeches.
All judges are sworn in at Beit Hanasi, including Shariah Law Qadis.
The audience, filled with the judiciary, was warm and receptive, and the largest in my memory.
However, outside, the protesters were loud enough to be heard during the speeches. Not everyone was pleased with the Supreme Court selection, and the Prime Minister and Justice Minister did not attend.
Have you seen the Iron Swords War Memorial in Commemoration of Jerusalem and those fallen?
It’s a new monument near the Knesset across from the National Library and has their names engraved inside.
Next to the momument to the fallen is a new children’s park.
After Shabbat, people were walking and running to prepare for the Jerusalem Marathon on 4/4/25.
Most protests speeches and gatherings with singing are in Tel Aviv all these months. A night event for the return of hostages is planned for Kikar Safra, Safra Square, on Thursday night February 20, 2025.
Jerusalem is planning to celebrate Women’s Month in Jerusalem with a list of open houses.
The days and nights with highs and lows continue.
Life continues in Jerusalem, Israel.
Hope to see you soon on The Real Jerusalem Streets.
