politics – Page 8 – The Real Jerusalem Streets

Inspiration from Story of Esther Today

February 6, 2014rjstreets

Yet another red alert in southern Israel!

Talk of SodaStream ads and photos of Scarlett Johansonn

have made headlines around the world.

But I want to share some photos of real women in Jerusalem, Israel,

that did not make the headlines this week.

Thousands gathered on Thursday evening

at the Kotel, the Western Wall,

for a special service with silver trumpets,

with tehilim, psalms, and prayers,

ending as the sun was setting with the Shema Yisrael.

Housing Minister Uri Ariel was one politician who showed his face.

But did you read anywhere

that the women’s section at the Kotel was full?

Thousands of women were

praying for the future of Israel.

Also, this week was the Jerusalem Conference.

Out of the ten Jerusalem prize winners awarded there,

Geulah Cohen was only woman to receive the honor.

Avraham Duvdevani was presented a certificate by Naftali Bennett.

Interesting that younger attendees had never heard of Duvdevani

and his contribution to Zionism and aliyah.

Last year I thought the lively “discussions” were because it was pre-election season.

But, with Rav Yisrael Rozen in the middle,

MK Avi Wurtzman and former MK Michael Ben-Ari had quite an exchange

over government funding for education and families.

The entire panel got involved,

but when MK Ayelet Shaked got the microphone

and started to speak, everyone quieted down.

We may have had the driest January in history,

but this week we had enough rain to make tires spin on wet streets.

The week- long Mothers say YES to Israeli Sovereignty vigil

near the Prime Minister’s House started off on a gloomy, wet day.

But there were plenty of cookies and drinks as former MK Arieh Eldad spoke.

All week long there has been a schedule of speakers.

The sun was shining when Rabbanit Shani Taragin led a class.

Even a neighbor coming to complain of noise could not stop her.

In an amazing Torah class she talked of Esther and Vashti,

so timely as Purim is coming.

Every child has had a special day of fun this week in school.

The story of Esther is one of taking action, not giving in to an evil decree,

of not obeying a monarch, and of our survival and hope for future.

And finally to end on a bright note, the strawberries that were piled high in

the shuk, the Machane Yehuda market, were so red I had to stop and look.

Maybe John Kerry keeps coming back to get away from the snow in US

and because he loves the strawberries that are in season in Israel?

Yihyeh beseder.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper from Where?

January 22, 2014rjstreets

Timing and location are everything.

I was feeling badly for Romanian President Basescu who is here for an official state visit.

Though the Romanian flag was flying over some main Jerusalem, Israel streets,

his visit seemed so overshadowed by

the visit of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife Laureen.

PM Harper received a red carpet welcome,

and a full honor guard review.

Israeli political leaders lined up to shake his hand,

along with Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat and many religious leaders,

and Jewish leaders from Canada.

It was as close to a royal reception as you will find in Israel.

But then I talked with an Israeli receptionist,

she was much more interested in my camera than these photos.

She had no idea who Harper was and seemed to care less.

One of those famous Jerusalem chutzpah cats

came through to check out the flowers and red carpet.

But unless you were stuck in traffic with all the various motorcades,

it seems possible not to have even noticed.

As a new snow storm is hitting North America,

the weather here has been perfect.

The trees damaged in the Jerusalem December snow in Gan Sacher, Sacher Park

look stark against the blue sky,

but the first wild flowers of spring are popping out.

The overseas visitors are heading home,

and the Israeli President and Prime Minister are leaving

for the World Economic Conference in Davos,

so the Jerusalem streets should be a bit quieter for a few days.

Perfect time to head out for lunch in an out-door cafe,

and enjoy the warm sunny weather,

another good reason to be living in Jerusalem, Israel.

Inspiration for 2014 in Jerusalem

Inspiration for 2014 in Jerusalem

January 1, 2014rjstreets

I was having trouble finding something positive to share,

as the clock ticked to the end of 2013 in Jerusalem, Israel.

Everyone has heard enough kvetching about the snow

and the massive clean up which is still going on.

The protest against prisoner releases was sad enough,

but the “March with Umbrellas” in the cold, wet dark night,

found many depressed by this “gesture of good will.”

The next morning the sun was shining,

and the fresh blue paint in the Liberty Bell Park looked good.

It was interesting to see how 100 years after

Rabbi Dr. Yitzchak Halevi Herzog z”l wrote on his dissertation

about Tekhelet, that maybe a “student of chemistry may be interested”

that a conference filled the auditorium at The Begin Heritage Center.

But it was still not what I wanted for an inspiring blog to end the year.

However, I was back at The Begin Center the next day,

for another conference with another long list of impressive speakers.

And then,

Noam Gershony stood at the podium and started to tell his story.

How he was so close to death the doctors held little hope for him.

How he lost his leg and almost his life in Second Lebanon War.

How his friend Dov next to him was killed.

How he slowly came back to life,

to play tennis,

to ski on Mount Hermon,

and to ride a bike.

By the time he finished his story of winning a gold medal

at the 2012 Olympics in London with the music of Hatikvah playing,

there was hardly a dry eye in the room.

After he finished and received a standing ovation,

Noam walked to the elevator surrounded by admirers.

That was it,

what I want to share,

what the world must see.

Certainly not everyone can win a gold medal in the Olympics,

but Noam Gershony exemplifies the Israeli spirit.

After what happened to him,

he did not become a suicide bomber,

but he does blow people away.

He inspires them to get up and get going,

no more excuses, too tired, too busy.

Now let’s make 2014 a good and positive year for all.