middle east current events

Watch as Jerusalem Streets fill with flags, festivals and flowers

Sharon A

May in Jerusalem, Israel, is when the weather goes from winter to summer, seemingly overnight.

One day you need boots and the next sandals and a hat to protect you from the sun.

The universities announce their honorees as their boards arrive for meetings.

Even with the war for over a year and a half, these annual events seem to be happening.

It’s “back to normal.”

For the arrival of US Ambassador Mike Huckabee, many mega-welcome events have taken place.

One was at the Friends of Zion Museum on Tuesday night, with Israeli flags lining the way for guests.

The FoZ Media Center was packed as Ambassador Huckabee received the Friend of Zion award menorah.

He ended his remarks – “After being in Israel so many times and going home, this time I am home.”

He also complimented his US Embassy staff, who have kept things going with multiple ambassadors, especially Deputy Head of Mission Stephanie Hallett, who was in the audience with her husband.

Omer Shem Tov and his family were also smiling. Omer, kidnapped on October 7, shared his ordeal: “I was 505 days in Gaza in captivity. When I was there, my belief in G-D came so strong, every day I woke up and thanked G-D that I have air in my lungs, a little food on my plate, and that my family is safe in Israel.”

However, also speaking at the event was Ilan Dalal, the father of Guy Gilboa Dalal, who was kidnapped from the Nova festival. He is still being held captive by Hamas, and his parents fight on for his release.

“Free the hostages now,” is hard to ignore on many Jerusalem streets.

But at the same time, signs are up for Education Week in Jerusalem, May 18-22, 2025.

The Jerusalem International Writers Festival and Book Forum is set for May 19-22.

Outside the new National Library of Israel

And first, this week is the National Library of Israel’s Conference: Marking 20 Years of the Historical Jewish Press Project, held over three days at the new campus.

Declaration Day - May 15 at the David Citadel Hotel

On May 14, Israel Forever Foundation is to host a ‘Declaration Day’ celebration in Jerusalem.

Large flags are still flying from private buildings as Jerusalem Day is to be celebrated on May 26th.

Some flags this year have a yellow ribbon in the blue star.

In Jerusalem, one has to move mountains of stone to build roads and the light rail.

It is good to see the May flowers along the Jerusalem streets to brighten the days.

But beware, with Lag B’Omer this week, the risk for fires from uncontrolled bonfires is huge.

Next year in Jerusalem.

Am Yisrael Chai!

See Photos of Passover, Blue & White, and Spring Colors in Jerusalem

Sharon A

Thousands of visitors arrived in Israel for the holidays.

Many families had long-awaited, anticipated reunions.

With school out for more than a week, it was a time to look for new and different activities.

Downtown Jerusalem went with a Crusader theme, remember the previous ones?

I remember this is the fifth Knight-themed night event in the past 15 years.

The nights were more colorful for a photo than in the daytime.

Jerusalem of Freedom was the theme this year. Happy Passover from Jerusalem.

Those families that did not travel north for activities in nature could use the suspension bridge and, on this clear day, see the mountains of Jordan in the distance.

The water and music were on at the fountain in Teddy Park for half an hour, much to the delight of families when there was finally a warm day.

The first days were so cold, and it rained in some locations, but the last days were warm.

Near the Teddy Park is the Artists’ Colony, and new art was on display at Kol HaOt. Arriving late in the day, I missed the activities for children, but could see the works based on the current war and hostage theme. Celebrations for the second Passover since October 7 were held, but muted.

As in the past, Bank Hapoalim provided free admission to dozens of museums. We took advantage by going to Jerusalem’s L.A. Mayer Museum for Islamic Art.

The story of the stolen watches and their return is worthy of a visit. This fan alone is a timepiece with gold, diamonds, and pearls, worth a small fortune.

But the rest of the pieces are equally amazing as their story. It is a very secure place if the Houthis’ ballistic missile interceptions set off another alarm. The room is an extremely secure vault to prevent another theft from occurring.

Upstairs is the art and the history of the development of Islam from the early days of Muhammad.

I did not remember the Harari Hoard from previous visits. Ralph Harari collected Islamic metalware. These 20 silver pieces on display are from the 11th to 12th centuries.

In another room, the gold jewelry from the Harari collection is also impressive.

The new temporary exhibit is called “Fluid Concrete.”

Seeing the photos in black and white of buildings from around the world, I now understand the sign posted on the wall outside that I shared two weeks ago.

A sign of Passover on the Jerusalem streets, shops with limited food options to purchase.

Ah, but this year, sushi was for sale on Passover. Here in Rechavia for take-out only.

Days of cooking and eating, but the only photos were from before Shabbat.

The only regret is that I have no photos of the food on Shabbat served for lunch.

Even the last pickle was gone from the jar when they all went home.

On Tuesday and Thursday morning of Passover, as on Sukkot, tens of thousands were again at the Kotel, Western Wall, for Birkat Cohanim, the Priestly Blessing.

In the afternoon, First Station, despite a construction project that had the path closed,

and a large section blocked for renovation, for a light rail station to be built at the old train station,

saw families enjoying the activities along with the Passover food and ice cream for sale.

First Station was the place to be on at least two days of Passover, for a bicycle festival held there.

It was already dressed in blue and white for the upcoming holiday season.

One could even find a small blue and white cellphone bag for sale.

Spring has come, not only at the Tower of David, but along the Jerusalem streets.

In Yemin Moshe, there were spring flowers and blue and white flags.

On the balcony at the Theatron Residences was an Israeli flag.

Israeli flags were on display at private homes,

and a large Jerusalem flag was outside the entrance to a nursery school.

From one day to the next, the flags were flying over the Jerusalem streets.

But as the memorial flame over the door at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center reminds us, along with the celebrations come the memorial days, beginning with Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, starting on Wednesday night, April 23, 2025.

So it was – this year in Jerusalem.

Just home from Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s residence, where seven new Ambassadors presented their credentials. Jane Huckabee stood as her husband, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, signed the official guest book, holding her handbag – the newest blue & white, with the US flag on the other side.

Jerusalem Day and Night – See What’s New

Sharon A

Another week flew by on the Jerusalem streets.

And as usual, with highs and lows, and unexpected encounters and happenings.

Today sharing photos you probably did not see, or at least I never saw reported.

The week began with perfect spring-like weather.

The YMCA Jerusalem stone tower against the blue sky with wisps of clouds and blossoms on the trees – the beautiful Jerusalem colors that inspired The Real Jerusalem Streets and logo.

At the YMCA at night, Ramadan is celebrated. The month-long Muslim holiday ends March 30th with Eid el Fitr.

I met across the street from the YMCA at the King David Hotel with Wanda Peretz to hear about her new book “The Ceiling.”

The Jerusalem Theater was lit with special lights on Tuesday night for the Mayor’s Volunteer Awards.

I went as a long-time volunteer helping lone soldiers and supporter of The Michael Levin Base.

Pleased to see that another non-profit I did volunteer work for was also recognized. Tenufa Bakehila, helps low-income families improve their homes and lives.

I remember one woman who exclaimed, “I feel like a bride!” seeing her new “after” kitchen.

As at every program, the murdered and hostages since October 7 were remembered.

By the security entrance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MFA, are more of those faces and a “Bring them home” banner.

Inside, the briefing in English by the MFA spokesperson became timely as new missile attacks and fighting started again, with sirens in Jerusalem, as well as huge sections of Israel.

What I really wanted to know was – who were the government limousines lined up waiting to transport?

It has been a while since I was inside the MFA and do not remember the fish pond. It was a good spot to stop and talk with a group of US Mayors touring Israel before they went inside.

The real streets include prolonged protest sites which I usually avoid and leave for others. However, this one has been set up near the Knesset against the government from before the war.

Walking from the MFA calming fish pond it was on my way home. Everyone I know wants the war to end and all the hostages returned. The question is how to accomplish it.

The week ended with cold wet weather. But even with the grey sky, there was bright color if you look.

The finish line for the International Jerusalem Marathon, to be held on April 4, 2025, was up over this Jerusalem street. Tens of thousands are expected to run in the various races.

And the spring flowers are again popping up from the old stones.

Jerusalem, day and night, cold and hot, even under missile fire – Israel is rated the 8th happiest country.

Am Yisrael Chai – See you Next Year in Jerusalem!