The busy week began Sunday night at the Nefesh B’Nefesh Jerusalem Campus.
What a view! Remembered just in time as the sky was darkening by the second.
Eden Center Conference
The Eden Center “Navigating Today’s Realities” was a first in English; past events were in Hebrew.
The professional conference brought together kallah teachers, educators, mental health professionals, and community leaders.
Women who knew each other’s important work were able to meet and share knowledge.
Eden Center founder Dr. Nomi Marmon Grumet began with opening remarks.
Various aspects of social interaction included Dr. Alex Bailey’s ‘How to get along with the in-laws’ in an entertaining TED talk.
Much more serious was the research presented by Shulmit Sperber on sexual abuse.
The bridal teachers and mikvah attendants must be aware of how to support women who are survivors of abuse.
Roundtable discussions and more were offered for an informative and engaging event.
With so many people I have known over the years from around the world, I wish I had more time to catch up.
2026 Pulse of Israel Conference
“From Victims to Victors: The Jewish People’s Next Chapter” was on Tuesday night at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center.
Ari Abramowitz was the master of ceremonies
Avi Abelow, founder and CEO of Pulse of Israel, conducted an interview in Hebrew with IDF Brigadier General and October 7 hero Oren Solomon.
Caroline Glick was a powerful and popular presenter. One would never know she was filling in for announced participants who had to stay at the Knesset for an important session.
Dr. Mordechai Kedar, an expert on Israel and the Middle East, presented a map for his Palestinian Emirates Plan.
The panel discussion was moderated by Alex Traiman, with Hillel Fuld and Topaz Doitsch Ram.
There were other speakers, live and on video.
But I want to share a bit of Naomi Kahn’s report on Regavim.
Careful research and documentation go into their reports. The work should be praised, not sanctioned.
The Arab land grabs have gone on for years and have been allowed with UN assistance.
A special award went to Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Regional Council since 2015.
MORE PHOTOS – HERE
On my way home, the Maccabiah Jerusalem Night Run streets were beginning to open.
It’s getting harder and harder to be in two places at the same time.
Would have loved to have been in Sacher Park to see the runners before and after they ran.
Israel365 Middle East Summit
I went through Bloomfield Park and behind the King David Hotel and saw the preparations for Kites Jerusalem.
On Thursday night, the opening of the Jerusalem Film Festival was also nearby, in the Sultan’s Pool.
The David Castle was my destination.
I was there five years ago when it opened under another name and another time during one of its renovations.
Israel365 Middle East Summit: The Path to Victory was a program in Hebrew and English.
The opening panel – ‘The Battle Within: Israel’s Internal Divides’ was in Hebrew.
Abby Lee, the Ambassador from Taiwan, was articulate and excellent in comparing her country with Israel.
‘The Eight Front: Winning the International Arena’ had Yishai Fleisher leading a discussion with Hillel Fuld and Rabbi Pesach Wolicki.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich spoke in rapid-fire Hebrew to an audience that seemed to appreciate his negative views on Oslo.
Notice the time clock in the back of the room? Most speakers kept to their times.
Like the Pulse Israel conference event, the program became flexible to accommodate the politicians.
Minister of Settlements Orit Strook was presented with an award for Outstanding Contributions to Zionism.
She called up retired Brigadier General Moshe “Musa” Peled to join her during a brief thank you.
Some people came and went, but MK Ohad Tal was present for the entire event and spoke near the end.
I got out long enough between the presentations to take a quick photo of the Old City walls as the sun was setting.
More photos – HERE
Three conferences in five days, and it feels like things are getting back to “normal’ in Jerusalem.
Signs are up for the Manofim Festival, which is back from July 14-18, 2026.
The flowers are bright and beautiful in the summer sun.
Hope you will be here soon to see the views, sunsets, and events happening on the Jerusalem streets.
