Usually people look out of those small openings
in the walls of the Old City,
but with a zoom lens we can see inside.
שבת שלום
Jerusalem
Another Week of Presidents in Jerusalem
Helicopters hovering above the Jerusalem, Israel, streets
are usually a sign of bad news.
But during the third week in February,
it could be anything or anyone,
with so many presidents and dignitaries visiting.
In the US, Monday’s Presidents Day combines honoring
George Washington,
and Abraham Lincoln.
The two Jerusalem streets honoring them are next to each other,
but note that in Hebrew ‘Lincoln’ is pronounced, Link-o-lin.
As usual, there were many more presidents here during Presidents week.
The American Conference of Presidents Leadership
Mission to Israel is being briefed by a whole range of speakers.
The sessions on threats and security are very daunting,
with Iran, ISIS, Hezbollah, Syria, PA and Hamas at our doors,
but just read if you can this telegram from August 1914.
It begins, “Palestinian Jews facing terrible crisis.”
‘Nothing new under the sun’ might be the best response.
However, this was a good week
to get out of the hotels and houses.
With sun shining and warm temperatures,
it was a great time to walk
in Gan Ha’atzmaut, Independence Park,
although not many people took advantage,
which could be even better for the few who did.
While there were few roses in bloom,
the almond tree blossoms burst forth this week.
I now appreciate the Tu B’Shevat children’s holiday song.
From not seeing any blossoms for the Tu B’Shevat holiday,
starting Friday they seem to have popped out all over.
Rain and now shine,
runners have taken to the streets.
The Jerusalem Marathon is a month away,
and those seriously participating are seriously training.
Finally,
I am sharing again,
in case you missed this double rainbow from last week.
Until the next rainbow, it will be a favorite photo,
even though the real thing was so much more impressive.
Now off on a photo walk, to show tourists,
some of what is really happening off the Jerusalem streets.
Always different, as you never know what you will find.
I Swear, Jerusalem of Contrasts
Jerusalem, Israel, is a place of contrasts.
At night the streets of the Old City have been quiet,
while during the day,
the noise of large construction projects fills the streets.
While loud BDSers (Boycott, Divestment and Sanction),
shout hate against anything Israeli,
Jon Medved of Our Crowd led a global conference
that attracted 3,000 international participants.
The technology conferences are too numerous to attend or even list.
For two days in Tel Aviv this week, the tourism conference
is again attracting eager overseas visitors to expand their ties with Israel.
While outside on the streets “random” stabbings and attacks go on,
inside Beit Hanassi, the Israeli President’s residence,
President Reuven Rivlin and Justice Minister Ayelet Sheked
swore in 7 new Qadis, Islamic Shariah Law Judges.
The official reception was held in the same large hall
where all important diplomatic visitors are greeted.
Family and friends of the new Muslim judges
after being served a dairy buffet of sweets,
were seated for the occasion.
This week there was another swearing-in ceremony,
a military ceremony at the Kotel, the Western Wall Plaza.
Thousands of family and friends gathered
to witness the newest paratroopers,
who after weeks of arduous training,
receive their new rifle along with a new bible.
Muslims who swear in to IDF receive a Koran.
While the news may seem dismal and negative,
this Muslim couple who found themselves in the midst
of hundreds of armed Israeli soldiers
seem much more concerned with getting a good selfie.
I walked home alone in the dark from the Old City.
It took awhile as I stopped twice to talk with friends,
but two other things got my attention.
When there is a “security incident”
these teens take to the streets to give out Israeli flags,
post signs and sing,
Am Yisrael Chai,
the People of Israel live!
It is a leap year on the Jewish calendar,
with two Adars, an extra month until Purim,.
Purim celebrates when Haman tried to kill the Jews.
Hamantaschen are already displayed in store windows.
They tried to kill us, they failed,
so let’s eat something sweet.
A few of the cycles and contrasts
happening daily on the real Jerusalem streets.