middle east current events – The Real Jerusalem Streets

Jerusalem: Good & Bad, Hot & Running

September 13, 2017Sharon A

Jerusalem is having a September heat wave.

Not so good for me,

I complain a lot and slow down.

But things are still going strong,

and Jerusalem is busier than ever.

Not sure if these raised arrangements like the heat

or if they are good or bad,

but this new flower display is near the Montefiore Windmill.

I passed it on my way to the Jerusalem Press Club to hear

Dr. Michael Borchard, the Director of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung,

who reported on a survey of Israelis’ opinions of the EU.

The conclusion:

good news and bad news, but pretty much the same.

Economic missions, trade missions, and overseas delegations

seem to be everywhere, all the time.

US Congressmen were at the King David Hotel recently,

and this week the Governor of Iowa Kay Reynolds

led an Economic Development Authority mission to Israel.

Iowans really are some of the nicest people,

here a group met to hear about Jerusalem based bio-startups.

The amazing innovations seek US collaboration to grow.

But besides back to school,

there is much more happening on the streets.

Another Second Hand Fair was on Emek Refaim St.

Kulna, part of Mekudeshet, a festival of varied events

of the Jerusalem Season of Culture,

was set up in Mitchell Gardens.

Those who came early to the had the option of seats

and food and drink to buy,

with the walls of the Old City across the street in the background.

One Arab family came early to get a good spot,

and much of the program featured Arab music.

Amman is 71 kilometers from us, one slide informed us.

As always, emergency medical care was on site.

But though there were hundreds, maybe 2000 people,

there were no reports of injuries or emergencies in the crowd.

Signs were up all along the way to the park for

a first-ever Jerusalem Run for Women,

but not everyone saw those warnings of major streets to be closed.

Security checked out their locations

for the 5k and 10k races.

Women and girls came from all over to run.

I tried to take one of those water bottles,

but it felt so hot, I put it back.

After dark the women, and a few men,

started running.

Here goes the winner of the 10K

and my friend who won the 5k

was already smiling on the way to starting line.

I love when people race by and scream out “Sharon.”

If you know who is waving please let me know.

One of my favorite runners

was this cute little guy.

His father was right behind with the stroller making a video.

These posters tell of events in parks with live music,

and special musical nights in the Municipal Square,

Opening the Gates Of Prayer,

with seasonal High Holy days songs.

So much is happening on the Jerusalem streets,

now if would just cool off a bit so we can enjoy it.

But at least no one is complaining about no rain this year.

and I guess that also could be good.

Herzl’s Vision at 120

September 3, 2017Sharon A

As the First Zionist Congress ended on September 3, 1897,

Theodore Herzl wrote in his diary,

“At Basel I founded the Jewish State.

If I said this out loud today,

I would be greeted by universal laughter.

In five years, perhaps,

and certainly in 50 years,

everyone will perceive it.”

Exactly 50 years later, on September 3, 1947,

the United Nations Special Committee on Palestine,

UNSCOP, submitted its report which became the Partition Plan.

Herzl’s vision was on its way to reality

with the UN vote on November 29, 1947,

and on May 14, 1948, the State of Israel was proclaimed.

In 70 years, in spite of wars, terrorist attacks, missiles and boycotts,

things Herzl could never have dreamed have happened.

On the tiny, arid, barren hill that Herzl saw

today sits the Knesset building.

Across the road,

is the Israel Museum,

with its Shrine of the Book

housing the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls,

and a host of sculptures on the grounds outside.

For the visit of UN Sec-Gen Antonio Guterres

a special presentation was held at the museum

near the Archaeological Wing,

featuring five Israeli Start-Ups.

1. HomeBioGas turns organic waste into

clean and usable cooking gas and liquid fertilizer.

2. Sight not only can test blood for malaria,

but its technology enables doctors

to do a full blood workup in the office.

3. Those little plastic pieces in the aquarium,

from Aqwise make waste water clean efficiently.

4. ‘Standing around the water cooler’

not at the office, but at this meeting with

the Secretary-General and the Israeli Prime Minister,

took on a whole new dimension,

with Watergen, which makes water from nothing,

converting humidity in the air to drinking water.

L’chaim, to life.

Remote locations in India and Africa, Gaza,

and drought-stricken regions around the world

could benefit from these Israeli technologies.

5. Innovation Africa has brought solar

and agricultural technologies to remote African villages.

“Our sages said, ‘From Zion will emerge Torah,’”

Netanyahu noted, adding,

“Well, from Zion emerges Torah, software, progress;

I hope with your help. So welcome, Mr. Secretary General.”

Problems in Israel, for sure.

But so much good is happening.

Herzl could never have imagined how far

and what has developed from his vision over 120 years.

Jerusalem, Look up and See the Details

August 22, 2017Sharon A

When we moved to Israel 11 years ago,

one building in the neighborhood stood out,

or rather stood lower and different than the others.

Beit Kedima, Kedima House, was built

by the British in 1945 to house its officers’ families.

The Jerusalem streets are lined with history.

These old Yemin Moshe streets are a favorite.

Next to it is Mishkanot Hashaananim.

Look up and see

this row of houses was built in 1865

under auspices of Sir Moses Montefiore.

For details of Jerusalem architecture,

this man, David Kroyanker,

literally wrote the book, or books, to be more precise,

“Jerusalem Design: God is in the Details.”

Jewish Design Identities,

also Christian, Muslim and Modern.

Did you know that the Scarab was a symbol of resurrection,

or that in Templer houses swastikas were used in floor tiles?

Or those colorful paintings on Muslim houses

were added after pilgrimages to the Haj in Mecca?

So what better way to learn about Jerusalem,

than with the man who wrote the books.

From the grounds of St. Andrews, the view of the Old City,

and these lovely gardens are for all to see.

One year, Mayor Nir Barkat chose this location to launch

the Jerusalem Marathon.

However,

how many Jerusalem visitors have gone inside

and noticed this intricate tiled fountain,

as we did on a Jerusalem Press Club sponsored tour.

Around the corner and down Emek Refaim Street,

look up.

Is that Einstein over this entrance?

No.

It is another Jerusalem lion carved in stone.

How many have walked by and noticed the Biblical passages

carved on these old Templer buildings?

“The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.” Psalm 87:2

Down the other end of Emek Refaim Street

look for one, “Always tip the Guide,”

Ethics of our Fathers REVISED edition.

An informational sign was posted at Beit Kedima

explaining its significance.

In August 1947,

UNSCOP delegates worked on their recommendations

for the future governance of Palestine here.

It is hard to imagine this was a secluded location at the time,

now the area is so built up, it is hard to find parking.

Some buildings are impressive.

Some have signs explaining their history.

When you walk the Jerusalem streets,

be sure and look up,

and see the details.