April 7, 2024, in Jerusalem, Israel.
Over the Jerusalem streets, the sun is shining. The weather is a bit cool.
Six months after the brutal murders of over 1,200 people in Israel by invaders from Gaza on the holiday Shabbat is still hard to comprehend.
However, while remembering that there are still 134 hostages captive in Gaza, we try to move forward. Under the constant shadow of war, with tens of thousands of people from the south and north unable to return home for the Passover holidays, with an uncertain future, struggling to be joyous in some fashion.
The new National Library of Israel (NLI) has become a popular site, especially impressive at night.
Included in the new video presentation for visitors with information is the quote, “If you have gone to the library a dozen times to look at the books, go once to look at the people.” – Martin Buber
I have not gone a dozen times yet, but even before it opened. and each time there is something new to see.
On Thursday night, I caught NLI Rector Shai Nitzan and CEO Oren Weinberg seated near the video having a conversation.
The Batim M’befnim, Open Houses Jerusalem, is an annual event, previously held at the end of October. As Mayor Moshe Lion welcomed guests at the NLI to the opening event, he mentioned the decision to move forward in the spring opening hundreds of locations to the public.
Open Houses Jerusalem used to be called Houses From Within.
I vividly remember one of my first experiences years ago when they opened the gates at Hansen House for the first time and had a tour inside. Oh, how Hansen House has changed!
The Mayor spoke briefly in Hebrew and English, for the benefit of leading Israeli architects and visiting international tourism professionals in the crowd.
The dairy food was presented inside in the lobby before the Mayor arrived,
and the dessert display outside was also photo-worthy and tasted as good as it looked.
An NLI tour was offered to various groups. I was in the white group, which was in English, and included international visitors from India, the US, and Italy.
The modern automated stacks of over 4 million books are impressive even when not in operation.
Across the small viewing room stands this relic, with a warning not to get close, a reminder of the library of days past, for my librarian and researcher friends.
Going out to the Jerusalem streets this week were lovely sights and signs of spring.
But the closed-off street near the Prime Minister’s home is making the headlines.
Closed hours before protesters, at least we could walk by Azza Street.
New large posters were calling for Unity Now.
And the better slogan, #LetThemGoNOW was on display over a major Jerusalem street.
This week I went on a press visit to Shefayim, in the hotel dining room where survivors of Kfar Aza are presently living, a table is set for their kidnapped members.
After months, some of the young families have been moved out of hotel rooms into small buildings made for them to have a little more space, as it will be a long time until they can return to Kfar Aza.
As we walked away from meeting the distraught family members of the kidnapped hostages, the fog was settling in, time for one more photo before heading back to Jerusalem.
I
n the National Library’s main reading room, the display for the Bibas family children draws attention.
But, after hearing Doron Steinbrecher’s mother’s anguished appeal to international media
and Gali and Ziv Berman’s brother speaking, I decided to share their photos displayed in the library again.
The world concern for Israelis held captive in Gaza must constantly be raised. It’s been 6 months too long.
April it’s spring!
The Jerusalem streets look to nature with music and workshops planned in parks.
Passover the holiday celebrating freedom is in two weeks.
Wondering how many visitors will fill the Jerusalem streets this year?
