Jerusalem

From the Ruins to a new Future in Jerusalem

Sharon A

The struggle to rise from the ruins of death and destruction of October 7 is real and ongoing.

Since October 7th, for over a year, week after week, it has not always been easy, but there are positive images and stories to share of resilience and building a better future.

‘From the Ruins to a Shared Israeli Future’ is the title of the newest photo exhibit outside of Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s residence.

The new photos show scenes of resilience and work since the start of the October Iron Swords War.

Meanwhile, on the Jerusalem streets, there were other new signs of progress.

The symbol and sign for the Knesset Museum was posted on the building on King George Street.

The Froumine House was where the Knesset met from March 13, 1950, until moving to the current location in 1966.

Remember RJS in 2019 – What’s New in Jerusalem?

January 2016 old Knesset site to be museum

This photo of the King George Street site was taken in January 2016. The letters above the front door, which are now gone, said it was the site of the Israeli Knesset. Then, the building was used for the Rabbinical Court before being abandoned.

The renovation has stretched for over a decade, but the museum is finally closer to completion.

This Jerusalem site has been abandoned for decades. I saw the workers take down the sign that said ‘Hebrew University – 44 Jabotinsky Street’ – and crush it with their feet.

That was the day I started carrying a camera in my pocket, and not in a backpack.

When Hebrew University on Mount Scopus was not accessible from 1948-1967, the library was dispersed to other locations in Jerusalem. This one had been on the site of the British Tribunal. Israel gave the property back to the church.

The old library was left to disintegrate over the years after the books were removed.

A bench near the Jerusalem Theater has the hostage poster for Shlomo Mantzur h”yd. He was the oldest person kidnapped on October 7, taken hostage to Gaza, murdered, and returned home to be buried today.

President Isaac Herzog spoke at this funeral: “representing the entire State of Israel, I ask you, Shlomo, for forgiveness. Forgiveness for our failure to protect you in the very place that was meant to be your fortress. Forgiveness from you, from your family, from the members of Kissufim, and from all the residents of the western Negev—for not saving you on that bitter, terrible day.”

Orange and black balloons filled the streets for the Bibas family’s funeral, which got much more attention.

Under the photo of Shiri Bibas, “slicha -sorry” is written in Hebrew by hand on a piece of orange paper.

While Shlomo was 86 years old, the Bibas children were the youngest hostages taken from their homes on October 7 – and murdered in Gaza along with their mother, Shiri h”yd.

There are still 59 hostages held in Gaza.

When the sun was shining, people were out on the Jerusalem streets, working, shopping, and living.

The new sign, “You Must Choose Life -That is Art,” is appropriate this week.

Many Jerusalem streets are in ruins as the new light-rail train extensions are being built.

Traffic patterns are changing to add bike lanes. From these current ruins, it is hard to see the future.

But the work goes on late into the night.

The Jerusalem Marathon launch is this week, preparing for the races on Friday, April 4, 2025.

Structures around the world were lit orange this week in memory of the murdered Bibas family.

The Jerusalem Chord Bridge was lit as the blue and white Israeli flag.

Am Yisrael Chai – hope – to build back better in the future.

Nothing Keeps the Conference of Presidents from Jerusalem Streets

Sharon A

There is a common adage that despite missiles, blasts, and attacks the Jerusalem streets keep going.

But the threat of snow in Jerusalem, Israel, shuts them down.

On the morning of October 7, 2023, my son was to be honored in a synagogue a mile from where I live. During the loud siren warnings along the way, I stopped and waited.

I got there only to be told, services were canceled – “We are at war.”

During the “stabbing intifada,” I was out and about without pepper spray.

However, last week in the cold rain and today with the threat of snow, I am at home.

Of course, the weather in Jerusalem would be considered spring-like compared to some places we lived, but those grey clouds are enough to curb my enthusiasm for walking on the streets that are always under construction.

This past week was the 50th mission of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations which has been going for 70 years as the united voice for American Jewry.

These missions have come to Israel during wartimes and COVID-19 during the third week of February.

Stephanie L. Hallett serves as the Chargé d’Affaires again at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Minister-Counselor, she has filled in over the past few years as the US Ambassador to Israel has changed. She spoke to the opening dinner.

Security was at a new high level for the Prime Minister to arrive and speak to the delegation.

Ofir Akunis the Israeli Consul General in New York since May 2024 was in Jerusalem, Israel, for the dinner. He posed with two of my friends who have been attending this event for many years.

The session I feel is important was open to media this year. Did you see it covered anywhere?

This year the startups and innovation session was under the “Resilience Panel” led by AMIT staff.

From virtual reality group therapy sessions

to an innovative system for sleep apnea,

the new ideas to help those with PTSD after these long days were fascinating.

The mission spent little time in the Inbal Hotel with private visits to the Knesset and trips north and south.

Reuven Rivlin at 50th mission of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish

However, former President Ruvi Rivlin was a special guest on Tuesday night.

One noticeable difference, the number of female US leaders was much larger than in the past.

Parents of Avera Mengistu at dinner CoP to raise awareness of their son held captive 3 years by Hamas

Remembering the family of Avera Mengistu who came in 2018 to appeal for their son’s release from Hamas in Gaza. They finally got their prayers answered, after not 505 days, but over 10 years.

With new signs posted on the Jerusalem streets for March events and the new month of Adar and Purim, hope it’s a good time to get out again to share what’s new and happening on the Jerusalem streets.

See if you Missed These 5 Things in Jerusalem

Sharon A

One thing Jerusalem, Israel, does not lack is a slow news day.

The cycle of events whirls by so quickly it is hard to keep up.

This week it seemed as if we were on fast speed with highs and lows.

Jerusalem streets were a mess from road construction closings. Then the spring-like weather came to an end. Winter rains pounded down and heavy winds slowed traffic to a crawl.

However, as always, more was happening on the Jerusalem streets.

Here is what you may have missed…

KNESSET at NIGHT

It had been a long time since I had been at the Knesset at night, the new blue lighting was impressive.

Across the road, the new entrance to the Wohl Rose Garden was also impressive.

“United we will win” plus yellow ribbons on the Knesset, and a list of no-nos greet you.

There was a special showing of the movie “CENTERED: Joe Lieberman” hosted by MK Ohad Tal.

Oh, how, we could use some politicians with his moral compass now, in the US and Israel.

WESTERN WALL NEW TOUR

It was a glorious day in the sunshine on the Jerusalem streets.

New soldiers were at Jaffa Gate and around the Old City. Always amazed how for many it is their first experience in Jerusalem and going to the Kotel, Western Wall, and learning the history.

The Western Wall Heritage Foundation has added new a audio-visual event for tourists.

It is fast-moving to capture the attention of young visitors, as the center changes with historical periods.

The visuals changed from the foundation stone to the Roman expulsion to modern times.

From the newest high tech, we went down to the oldest of levels of Jerusalem streets.

Not open to the public yet, these areas are being carefully excavated by archeologists, bit by bit.

The earliest levels are being exposed under the Western Wall Plaza.

Not under the Temple Mount, but in the areas near it, built over the millennia.

An old Ottoman area home is being exposed,

with interesting stones on the walls

and a place for a mezuzah on the doorpost.

When the tour opens it will be another fascinating look at the history of Jerusalem.

From the roof of the building, there was a clear view of the structural work being done on the plaza.

New supports must be laid to keep the current ground level stable with the underground excavations.

The Great Bridge Tour has been developed since my last visit in 2021 during Hanukkah.

The Roman theater and walkways improved,

but the draw and wonder of the ancient stones is eternal.

Near the end of the tour is a stop at the Western Wall Synagogue.

It is an impressive place to pray on Shabbat and holidays.

KOSOVO EMBASSY

The Kosovo Embassy hosted its annual International Holocaust Remembrance Day with the participation of Yad Vashem, marking 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz. A survivor and her family were highlighted with the launch of their new biographical book.

SHAON HOREF

The Jerusalem streets near Kikar Safra, Jerusalem’s City Hall Plaza are usually deserted after dark on the winter cold nights. The Shaon Horef— Winter Noise Festival attempts to entice people to come to Jerusalem streets on Mondays nights during the winter.

Shushan Street was the first venue on the first February Monday night with lights and music playing.

There are 4 more Monday nights, the last on March 3, 2025, each based on a different Jerusalem street.

In the past I got a shot glass, this year colorful stickers were the giveaway.

The festival is aimed to draw young Israelis to explore lesser-known Jerusalem streets and eat and drink

However, on the Jerusalem streets, while you can tour, eat, drink, and celebrate, reminders of October 7 and the hostages are always a few steps away.

Next Year in Jerusalem for all.

Am Yisrael Chai!