I do not understand Israeli politics,
do not want to speculate as so many are doing,
so will just keep it simple today,
with wishing all
שבת שלום
middle east current events
Jerusalem Education Week Opens with Special Children’s Exhibit
A wise man from Texas once told me,
“One is not “good” or better.
It’s the sum of it all that matters.”
It is education week in Jerusalem, Israel.
An opening event took place at the Israel Museum,
and was held in the plaza outside the museum’s Children’s Wing.
There were 40 winning art projects
made by hundreds of Jerusalem school children
on the theme My home, Your home.
Art projects in Hebrew and Arabic were next to each other.
Israel Museum director James Snyder spoke in English,
but his remarks were translated into Hebrew and Arabic.
Water, shade and seats were provided for the hundreds of
students, teachers and family members who came to see the exhibition.
A lucky few had a head start on frozen treats.
The projects were spread out all over the plaza area.
They were interesting
and diverse,
and colorful too.
Speeches were blessedly short,
as was the audience attention span.
It was super hot even with the shade and water.
People came not to listen,
but to see the winning projects which were on display.
When the exhibits were officially opened,
the area was packed
with a crowd as diverse as the neighborhoods of Jerusalem.
Good news?
For this Jerusalem municipal education project
supported by the Jerusalem Foundation
and the Israel Museum,
what do you think?
“One is not “good” or better.
It’s the sum of it all that matters.”
After Israeli Independence Day Celebrations
Celebrations for Yom Haatzmaut,
Israel Independence Day,
have come to an end for this year.
There were lots of ceremonies, and the Bible Quiz on TV,
and flags flying above the streets and on buildings,
and little Israeli flags clipped on to cars.
As usual, Gan Sacher,
Sacher Park, was the scene of hundreds of family picnics.
People brought chairs and tables and bags of food,
and even mattresses for comfort.
But this couch was a first.
There were smiles from strangers and tents.
Smoke from grills and the sounds of karaoke filled the air.
During the afternoon planes of all sizes
appeared in formation
in the blue skies
and thrilled the crowds below.
Beautiful children with flags and balloons
enjoyed the celebrations.
A group of lone soldiers enjoyed some serious ribs,
grills were fired up all day to feed the hundreds that came.
Tens of thousands celebrated in Gan Sacher,
including one special group of girls,
Bnot Sherut, girls from overseas who are spending
their “gap year” volunteering in Israel.
The media missed their dance performance, but they did find this family
who were happy to share their opinions
of what a beautiful day it was,
concluding with a rousing,
“AM YISRAEL CHAI.”
No it is not snow, even if it’s called “sheleg,”
it’s the dreadful white shaving cream stuff,
this couple found some tinted pink
and had a great time spraying it all around.
I was happy to see less of that messy stuff this year.
And security?
Policewomen were seen checking out the food.
That was all on Thursday, now on Sunday,
I hope this heat wave is over quickly.
The heat and humidity keep me off the streets
and inside with the air conditioner running.
With the holidays over,
it is time for more festivals,.
Education starts tomorrow with an event at the Israel Museum,
and the Jerusalem Light Festival in the Old City
which begins next week, plus
an International Writers’ Festival and Lag B’Omer—
all will be happening in Jerusalem, Israel.