Jerusalem Unity Prize

Jerusalem, old and new, and inside and out

Sharon A

Jerusalem, Israel, is a city of contrasts.

A place of diversity, where the Jerusalem streets are constantly changing.

Jerusalem’s ancient Tower of David and the Old City walls are well known.

The lanes of Yemin Moshe have long been photo-worthy.

Now, with almost everyone having a camera on their smartphone, sights and scenes are widely shared.

The annual Jerusalem Unity Prize awards were presented at Beit Hanasi, the President’s residence, on May 24, 2026.

When Raviv Kaner began to sing, the phones began recording.

Awards were given to 5 communities and organizations for their efforts in promoting unity.

The last two awards were to individuals – Rabbi Yonatan Reiss, founder of the Chedvata network of haredi hesder yeshivot, was honored for advancing the integration of ultra-Orthodox young men into meaningful national service and Israeli society while maintaining strong religious observance.

The audience stood to applaud his award and work.

The final honoree, Sheikh Muwafaq Tarif, spiritual leader of Israel’s Druze community, also received a standing ovation for his longstanding efforts to strengthen relations between the Druze community and broader Israeli society and promote shared life among Israel’s diverse populations.

Also, a new book, “Heroism and Hope” by David Bryfman, was launched on Monday night.

Good to see a long-time connection doing well and launching his book on education in Jerusalem

Out on the Jerusalem streets this week, people were enjoying the weather.

Plus, the unusual quiet, with the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, there was less traffic.

Most construction sites were not active for the holiday.

The International Writers’ Festival was less international than in the past.

But as I was going to check it out, another couple was getting engaged nearby.

Ah, the Jerusalem streets where one could find “A little light can dispel a lot of darkness.”

While much of the news is negative, here are a few of Jerusalem’s views you may not have seen.

Construction from every direction, in the distance,

and not so far away.

The light rail construction drags on, with too many images of closed roads to share.

But if you get out to walk on the Jerusalem streets, there are roses to stop and smell.

And the old lanes of Nachlaot to admire.

Hoping for you to see for yourself the real Jerusalem streets.

Not next year in Jerusalem, but soon.

In Jerusalem, Life After All

Sharon A

Some weeks are easier than others to find good news to share from the Jerusalem streets.

Within 1000 steps from where I live in Jerusalem, Israel, four families have lost their sons in battle since October 7. This week another 15 young men lost their lives fighting for Israel.

The reclaimed President’s Hotel has regular dance classes. The music can be heard in the evening.

Inside there were few people, but the art exhibit, “Life, After All,” lined the walls.

At Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s Residence, the Jerusalem Unity Prize awards were presented

The Jerusalem Prize for the Unity of Israel was initiated by the Yifrach, Shaer, and Fraenkel families with former Jerusalem Mayor MK Nir Barkat, stemming from the deep sense of unity felt throughout Israeli society and the Jewish Diaspora following the kidnapping and murder of their sons Eyal, Gil-Ad, and Naftali in the summer of 2014.

Ten years have passed, and the families have pursued life after their tragedy.

Knesset members were in attendance, even though they were not called to speak.

On most occasions in Jerusalem, a yellow chair stands empty ready for hostages to return.

In time for Shavuot, the Chabad House of Rechavia led by Rabbi Yisroel Goldberg celebrated their new location, with Rabbi Meir Goldwicht as guest speaker.

On Shavuot night, the list of locations and speakers all night long was way too long to list.

Then at dawn, tens of thousands of people walked to the Kotel, Western Wall, to pray.

The Jewish Agency Building was lit with a special Happy Holiday Shavuot message.

Signs are up for the annual June Shavuah Hasafer, Hebrew Book Week.

The Eid al-Adha the Muslim holiday, “Feast of Sacrifice” is on Sunday through Thursday, June 19, 2024.

The government announced an extension for residents who have been evacuated from their homes, in the hotels and temporary housing solutions, financed by the state, until 15 August 2024.

As life goes on, even as the war in Gaza goes on, the northern front continues to escalate and businesses have suffered greatly. The OU Israel hosted a successful fair for businesses before Shavuot.

Israeli Lebanese border wall section painted

With the attacks by Hezbollah from Lebanon increasing, it seemed like a good time to go back and look at a trip to the northern border 4 years ago, Israel’s Northern Exposure. The only thing that has changed is that those tens of thousands of residents have been out of their homes for over 8 months.

Man on Lebanese border with Israel

Oh, and missiles, rockets, and deadly drones are being shot at Israelis rather than photographs.

The funeral of Eliyahu Moshe Shlomo Zimbalist לוויה של אליהו משה שלמה was on one of the hottest days of the year. Har Herzl has seen too many fallen soldiers whose families will have the task of going on after the loss of the finest these past months.

May their memories be a blessing

May we see joy, music, and life return to the Jerusalem streets.