Knesset

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!

The President of Paraguay Received Warm Welcome In Jerusalem

Sharon A

The Real Jerusalem Streets has published over 1,200 posts.

Along the way, RJS received over 1.2 million spam comments.

And a couple of viral posts – so many loved those Arab girls.

Each week the goal of RJS photo essays is to show what is happening in Jerusalem, Israel–

what legacy media does not share – there is much more happening than conflict and protests.

This week was a week to honor the Republic of Paraguay and its President Santiago Peña.

Knesset flags in blue and white were joined with blue and white with red – for the Republic of Paraguay.

Yards of red carpets were out and the Declaration of Independence moved to a new location

to officially welcome the President of the Republic of Paraguay Santiago Peña.

Anthems were played before the review of the honor guard.

The Paraguayan delegation entered the Knesset building led by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.

After cutting a ceremonial blue ribbon, Peña cut off a small piece of the blue ribbon to save.

The President signed the official guest book as Ohana stood and dignitaries sat to watch.

Audience members taking photos and videos with their cell phones has become common practice.

Even an army officer took his shot as the two leaders spoke briefly in the Chagall Hall.

Peña’s wife was escorted to a private reception after the official photos and led past the October 7 display. The hostages and war are not forgotten even at the most festive of events in Jerusalem.

The official motorcade waited outside to rush them away to the next event on a short, tight schedule.

The Kotel, Western Wall, Yad Vashem, and the official ceremony in Har Hotzvim where the Jerusalem Embassy of Paraguay is located lasted two days.

The umbrellas have been replaced with new lights over Yoel Salomon Street awaiting winter holiday visitors in Jerusalem near the Friends of Zion Museum, across from the Museum of Tolerance.

On Thursday night the Paraguayan delegation was hosted at the Friends of Zion Museum,

and the President was presented with the Friends of Zion Award.

The new Chief Sefardi Rabbi Dovid Yosef arrived wearing his new official Rishon Lezion attire.

The room was crowded and all stood as the Presidential couple entered,

Fleur Hassan Nahoum was the moderator, she spoke in English from the podium, but in Spanish to many of the guests.

Even at this event, the memory of those murdered was not forgotten.

Mayor Moshe Lion presented a gift and Rav Yosef blessed the President.

They left before the toast and the meal was served.

The meat came from Paraguay and the wine served was a special label “PARAGUAY,” bottled by Psagot Winery.

A hamsa for good luck was presented by Israeli Minister of Culture Miki Zohar.

However, the Friends of Zion Award was the main event of the evening which was co-sponsored by the Zionist Organization Kol Israel.

Knesset Speaker Ohana was all smiles during the singing of Hatikva at the end of the evening. He had gone to Paraguay to open an Israeli consulate and must have been relieved to see the results of his efforts. See who was there in more photos HERE.

So the Paraguay events were fun, but not real streets unless you saw the motorcades go by.

On International Humanitarian Day December 10th, a special session was held at Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s Residence, concerning the health and welfare of the 100 hostages still held in Gaza.

Freed hostage Noa Argamani spoke after the health experts presented data.

Several freed hostages attended and comforted each other.

But families, some wearing the faces and names of their loved ones on their shirts, are still waiting after 435 unimaginable days, more photos HERE

But then, new signs are up for fun next week, with the Doll Festival and More at the Train Theater.

The first night of Hanukkah is December 25th and I started planning and baking.

Stores have dreidels and Hanukiot on display – it’s time to prepare for Hanukkah. The holiday where they tried to kill us and failed – so we eat sufganiyot and latkes and spin the dreidel to see our fate.

As President Peña said ending his remarks to the media at the Knesset – “This year in Jerusalem!”

Book a photo walk to see the sights and lights for yourself.

What’s happening on the Jerusalem Streets?

Sharon A

What a busy week, with so much happening!

On Sunday night the Menachem Begin Heritage Center had a long list of impressive speakers.

Over 2,000 people attended the second annual Pulse of Israel Conference, “What’s Next For Israel” in person and via livestream – to learn about key issues in the future for Israel.

Actor Michael Rapaport was recognized with the Pulse of Israel Brave Leadership of Zion Award for his outspoken pro-Israel activism on social media.  “This is my fourth time in Israel since November 2023 – before that trip, I had never been here. There has been so much suffering since October 7…”

Indeed, we wonder daily what’s next.

The next night, I was back again for a special memorial tribute event to Senator Joe Lieberman z”l moderated by Paul Gross, Senior Fellow at the Center.

Representing the family, Hani Lowenstein spoke eloquently of her father,

US Ambassador Jack Lew had a long and special relationship. They were two Democratic, Shabbat observant Jews serving together in the US government over many years.

Gil Troy knows how to speak to the audience during an interview and to keep them engaged.

I was complimenting him after the event outside, and this family passed by leaving Liberty Bell Park.

The Knesset was a busy place the day I attended a special event there.

Too often getting by the security to enter is a headache when your name is not on the computer list.

But once inside the Chagall Hall was impressive as usual.

Finding the Knesset Library was simple enough to arrive on time for the announcement.

Israeli Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana announced for the first time in the history of US–Israel relations the establishment of the Knesset–House Parliamentary Friendship Group. He said it was planned for July 3rd purposely before the US Independence Day.

In progress since 2023, before October 7, Ohana was well prepared with a media presentation.


US Chair of the House–Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group Congressman David Kustoff was in Jerusalem, Israel for the event.

Ambassador Lew also spoke. I was glad for a chance to compliment his remarks about Joe Liberman z”l before the formal program began. People like to complain. I prefer to compliment when possible.

July 4th is also Entebbe Day, the time to remember the hostage rescue and Yoni Netanyahu, its fallen leader.

The King David Hotel was ready in red, white, and blue for the Newsmax July 4th celebration.

The food was abundant, it was great to see some people again and speak with people in person and not on a screen. It was hard to leave, but I had a previous commitment.

Photos of a few friends are on Facebook

A Counterpoint reunion had been planned at the Yeshiva University Israel Campus.

As with most celebrations in Jerusalem, prayers for hostages and soldiers began the program.

Again too many friends to mention, a few photos also on Facebook. so many friends, so many years.

Back on the Jerusalem streets, SUMMER in the neighborhoods. It’s the long summer school holiday time.

The Jerusalem Street Orchestra if you missed them last week at the Montefiore Windmill, is planning a performance for July 22 in the garden of the National Library.

So what’s next for Israel?

You never know.

But slowly the sounds of music and life are returning to the Jerusalem streets.