Jerusalem, Israel – what is really happening
What changes more dramatically than the winter weather in Jerusalem, Israel?
Though some do not love the Chord (or String) Bridge towering over the entrance to Jerusalem, I think it’s an impressive image against a blue sky.
But the winter fog was so thick on the way into the Jerusalem International Convention Center, the bridge was invisible.
Those construction fences for Jerusalem Gateway Project are constantly changing and spreading.
Inside the ICC on the main stage of the second day of the Globes Business Conference, SodaStream CEO Daniel Birnbaum and Pepsico CEO Roman Laguarta appeared the best of buddies complimenting each other in their remarks. Their plans to change the business climate are impressive.
Outside in the main hall, food and networking were available on both days. The room only became quiet when Sodastream commercials were shown. Dozens of speakers, experts on business and government leaders presented on the stage in the Teddy Auditorium and smaller venues in the convention center.
Except for the SodaStream – Pepsico segment, most of the business conference was held in Hebrew.
This panel dealt with the topic of disadvantages and challenges faced by women and what needs to change.
MK Yariv Levin, Minister of Tourism, spoke at a session on the future of tourism.
Tourism in Jerusalem was rated number one in future growth in a new Bloomberg report. Positive change, with the trend of more tourists is felt daily on the Jerusalem streets and at locations such as Machane Yehuda Market, the shuk.
The Israeli economy has been stable and is viewed as positive. The Prime Minister joined President Rivlin for the appointment of the new Governor of the Bank of Israel on Monday.
Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon joined the President and Prime Minister to welcome Amir Yaron.
All smiles for the cameras in the morning.
By afternoon this was old news, and then not news, as the government folded.
Talk about change affecting the news cycle!
But at least this one appointment is for 5 years, and is not affected by April elections.
This egalitarian area at the Western Wall, the Kotel, has gotten media attention, as part of Israel and Diaspora relations.
Not as many cameras filled the photographers platform at Beit Hanasi for the Gesher Community Fellows as they did for the packed house of the Bank of Israel appointment.
President Rivlin was interviewed by Israeli radio’s Asaf Liberman, one of the first round of Israelis selected as a Gesher Fellow.
Israeli Prize winner Miriam Peretz (seated on left) was another Gesher Fellow.
Israelis, of many fields, including the media, once chosen as Fellows, attend sessions, and travel to the US in an attempt to bridge the gap with Diaspora Jewry, and improve the climate and mutual relations by understanding, with first-hand knowledge.
As Miriam Peretz urged that Israelis learn English, the Hebrew University, closed on December 25th, is contemplating switching instruction to English.
Hebrew signs line the Jerusalem streets. One in the center announces the Tower of David celebration of the end of tax year.
The Israel Museum has a special new exhibit on the writings of the Rambam, Maimonides.
Someone posted a sign over the ad, for a Baka family run for the evening of December 26, as seen on the top right corner.
The Jerusalem Theater signs, plays, and performances are in Hebrew.
A Hebrew lesson on the milk carton? It is proper to say “Seehuhah” instead of “chat.”
Ha, ha, we will see how that works, even if December 27, is Hebrew Language Day.
Yes, Hebrew on signs and on the Jerusalem, Israel sidewalks.
Are the winds for Hebrew language change strong enough to take effect?
As I sit here waiting for the winter weather to change again, I will end with two short videos from this past week.
At the Western Wall, the Kotel, after a special prayer service for recovery on seriously injured IDF soldier Netanel Ilan ben Shaina Tzipora.
Singing slow Hebrew songs, they ended with Am Yisrael Chai.
With government elections set for April, with jets flying over head last night to parts north, with enemies on and under our borders,
at the conclusion of the Bank of Israel program, all rose for singing of Hatikvah, The Hope.
What’s new and happening now that Hanukkah is over?
Some chanukkiot are still around on Jerusalem streets, but for many it feels like the holiday was long ago.
Projections for Hanukkah like this one over the moat wall of the Tower of David,
and this one inside of Jaffa Gate are no longer.
But these on the walls of the Old City were still up last night.
The reindeer which were up since Hanukkah also burn brightly.
The Christian Quarter of the Old City is only one location with holiday lights.
The Jerusalem Municipality continues its annual tradition of distributing complimentary Christmas trees
A special festive market near the New Gate began with loud and brightly colored fireworks exploding after Shabbat in the sky over Jerusalem.
PM Netanyahu repeated one of his favorite themes, “Israel is not isolated and improving relations with Arab neighbors” at the annual Government Press Office New Year toast for foreign journalists.
The event was held at the Shalva National Center to mark the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
As usual there was entertainment. The Shalva Band was very warmly received after a wonderful performance.
However, everyone including the Prime Minister and his security had a surprise.
As the band received a standing ovation and took their final bow, the drummer went over to the end of the stage, bent down, and gave the Prime Minister a hug.
Shalva Center is an impressive complex providing multiple services and therapies to individuals with a wide range of disabilities.
While the GPO event at Shalva was by invitation only, involving many levels of security, the Art of Jazz event at the Israel Museum was open to the public.
After a delay because of rain during Hanukkah, Crossroads and Janglo held their 5th annual night run.
In this photo taken just before race began at the starting and finish line, you can see the winner wearing blue shorts. For the group selfie, he looks like he has already run, won and is celebrating.
AirBnB has been discussed and covered endlessly this week.
But did you hear about ArtBnB music in Jerusalem at the Maffil?
The 9th Jerusalem Hullegub Festival featuring Israeli-Ethiopian Arts is December 20 – 26.
President Reuven Rivlin hosted new mayors and heads of councils at Beit Hanasi, the President’s Residence. Of 100 newly elected community leaders, 60 attended. New Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion got in the last word, but it was noteworthy that many Arab, Muslim, and Christian mayors came to Jerusalem to attend and were asked to speak.
As I walked home one night in the Hansen House garden, Ester was lit, resembling a spaceship.
I heard music coming from the direction of Hansen House, so went to see what was happening. Not only is it a new center for arts and technology, but it has also become a popular and colorful gathering places for food, drink and events.
One Only in Jerusalem, Israel photo – taken at #7 Judah Maccabee Street ” WANTED ALIVE MASHIACH BEN DAVID Reward redeemed world. “
There you have it.
Only a bit of what was happening in Jerusalem.
Diversity, disability, culture, coexistence, up and down, always something new happening.
Miri Mesika’s song from performance at Shalva seemed like a beautiful way to conclude.
For those interested, more GPO at Shalva photos HERE
You never know what will appear next on the Jerusalem, Israel streets.
