February in Jerusalem – Presidents, Parks, Ponds and Purim Prep

February in Jerusalem – Presidents, Parks, Ponds and Purim Prep

When we lived in Boston, what a surprise it was to learn that there was a holiday in February for Presidents’ Week. February was a time to go skiing. While five years ago, snow fell in Jerusalem in February, this year temperatures during the day have been warm, at least when the sun came out! So much rain this year, but there are signs of spring.

Blossoms on almond tree in katamon Jerusalem

After the almond blossoms burst out, other fruit trees are now blooming – as are allergies from various pollens.

Flowers are appearing. The lilies in the pond at the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens are starting to open.

Jerusalem Botanical Gardens

Another sure sign of spring, the birds on a nice day chirp away, before dawn.

Those early wake-up calls at 4:14 am are not appreciated.

Main hall of Jerusalem International Conference Center for OurCrowd Global Summit 2020

The annual spring OurCrowd Global Investor Summit has grown bigger and better.

International registration was reported at 23,000 people from 183 countries.

Jerusalem Israel OurCrowd Summit booth for UpnRide

Get up and Ride, the UpnRide was one of many booths. I mentioned how I saw it used at OurCrowd first. It was so amazing to see a person bound to a wheelchair standing at the buffet table.

Amir Gofer using UpnRide at OurCrowd Global Summit

And there was Amir Gofer again explaining his amazing invention!

What a shame Christopher Reeves died too soon to benefit from this Israeli technology.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaking to Conference of Presidents at Inbal Hotel

February in Jerusalem means the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations is back for its 46th Annual National Leadership mission. On opening night PM Netanyahu spoke in the Inbal Hotel ballroom.

Israeli President receives gift from Conference of Presidents

Monday morning President Rivlin addressed the delegates and invited guests. He was presented with a piece of art as a gift by new CEO William Daroff,  with Malcolm Hoenlein and Arthur Stark posing for the photo op.

President Rivlin took off soon after for a long-anticipated trip to Australia. First, he stopped in LA to get the key to the city, then on to Fiji on the way to the Land of Oz.

The Conference of Presidents used to have a printed schedule for their program. This year there is an app which is for delegates only. “We’re back” was all Hoenlein would say on the record about their trip to Saudia Arabia last week. Much of this week is filled with meetings with Israeli leaders, and some off the record, but a few more photos here.

New standard for clean air signs in Jerusalem

But as for the real streets, the municipality wants to clean up not only the streets but the air too. Signs are up. Warnings are out. Fines and enforcement are to be increased. In the campaign to clean up Jerusalem, citations will be served for littering and not cleaning up after your dog.

Gan Sacher Jerusalem Leningrad Memorial

As for the old dog park in Gan Sacher, Sacher Park, finally, all the tents are gone and the Leningrad Memorial is visible. I will spare you dozens of photos from the construction mess in Gan Sacher, but they will have to work quickly before the Jerusalem Marathon next month.

Jerusalem Israel memorial across from Cinema City

The Leningrad Memorial in Gan Sacher is across the road from this memorial for fallen soldiers defending Jerusalem, which is located next to the Supreme Court.

Jerusalem parking garage to save space

Land is at a premium in Jerusalem. Every centimeter is scrutinized. Here a parking garage rises to the sky.

Man working on an old house in Jerusalem being renovated

Small old buildings are being renovated and redone daily.

Street in Jerusalem with sidewalk torn up work

Oh and the streets! When they are completed these sidewalks should be nice. But now?

Azza Street in Jerusalem under repair

Some streets are parking lots part of the day as construction stops traffic. All traffic. Pedestrians are not sure where and how to cross to avoid all the equipment.

New sidewalk on Azza Street in Jerusalem Israel

They are almost done here, an important part of the Jerusalem Marathon route.

These streets will be filled with runners on Friday, March 20, 2020.

Bus stop in Jerusalem Israel

At least we did get our bus stop back.

New bike path in Jerusalem Israel has a bike tire pump

This was a pleasant surprise. Along the new bike path, there is a tire pump available.

Jaffa Street near Market music and dancing on nice day

On the Jerusalem streets, always something to surprise. Spontaneous music and dancing.

Winter Music Festival in Jerusalem sign for end of February performances

There are also planned winter musical performances at the end of February.

Jerusalem Israel hosting an international conference on violence prevention education

A first, an international conference on violence prevention education.

Purim costumes in the Jerusalem Israel shuk

Spring means strange faces appear in the Machane Yehuda Market, the shuk.

Purim holiday masks and hats are on display.

Costumes for children and adults, with unicorns big this year.

Hamenstashen, Haman's Ears for Purim

Hamantashen were piled up high. It is interesting that they are packaged and not out in open.

Ah, Jerusalem, Israel, in February, spring, and Purim is around the corner,

Sign on Jerusalem sidewalk

and Jerusalem lights up on Bezalel Street.

 

 

Purim, Shushan Purim, Crazy Time in Jerusalem

Purim, Shushan Purim, Crazy Time in Jerusalem

There’s Purim as we know it in most of the rest of world.

Then there’s Shushan Purim that is celebrated on the following day in Jerusalem, Israel.

Purim goes on and on and on, and this year it went right into Shabbat on Friday evening.

Purim sameach sign for carnival at army base

This Purim Sameach sign was hanging on the wall at an army base, above the tables set for their celebration.

Female soldier reading letter from children and receiving Mishloah manot.

Thousands of Israel security personnel received mishloah manot, gift bags with treats, and letters written by children from around the world expressing appreciation for their service in defense of Israel. This has become an annual project for multiple organizations.

Hamentaschen piled up in Machane Yehuda Market for Purim

Hamantashen galore are an annual sign of Purim.

Sign for reading of Megilat Esther at First Station

A reading of Megilat Esther in First Station has become an annual event.

Children in costume for Purim Jerusalem Israel

Children dress in costumes for the night time reading all over the world.

Man wearing mask for Purim at synagogue reading of Megilat Esther

Purim masks vary from year to year.

Jerusalem men in costume for Purim meglla reading

Sometimes it is hard to decide who is in a Purim costume and who is not?

Man dressed for Purim

And some costumes are inside jokes, too long to explain.

Hats on Purim in Jerusalem Israel

For some hats make their Purim costume.

Aliza Bloch costume for Purim

This year the beret of new Beit Shemesh Mayor Aliza Bloch became a popular costume in Beit Shemesh, and in Jerusalem as well.

Jerusalem man reading megilla in costume

The Scroll of Esther was read from a real scroll in hundreds of Jerusalem locations.

half shekel coins in Jerusalem synagogue for PUrim holiday

Also, collecting money for the poor and remembering the half shekel of old are annual important customs around the world.

Costume on Jerusalem Israel street at night of Purim

But on the Jerusalem streets there were all sorts of characters running around.

Sadly, some of the best were moving too fast to photograph.

Jerusalem couple dressed in space suits for Purim

One family was dressed to go out of this world. But they were left holding their children’s space helmets, which were not allowed to be worn on this moon bounce.

Purim carnival at night in Jerusalem

The Purim Carnival celebration burgers looked good, but what a shame! I heard that the power went out soon after I left.

Unicorn costumes popular in Jerusalem for Purim

Unicorns were popular this year, for all ages.

Jerusalem Israel on Purim night

Smiles at Purim parties were easy to find.

Doctors for Purim costumes in Jerusalem

However, deciding which doctor to consult could have posed a problem.

Purim costume in Jerusalem at night at carnival party.

One royally dressed friend wanted to show off her glam outfit under her coat.

Costumes in restaurant on Purim night wings and ears

Purim in Jerusalem means wings and ears,

Purim colors in Jerusalem Israel

and lots of colors,

Woman in hat for Purim in Jerusalem

tall hats,

Sushi hats for Purim in Jerusalem

and even sushi ones.

Purim costume in Jerusalem Israel

Little Purple Riding Hood going to Gramma’s house?

Festive meals went all day on Friday, some going straight into Shabbat.

Purim on Friday is not my favorite, it feels so strange.

Jerusalem Israel Women posing for photo at bus stop on Puirm

All week costumes have been spotted on Jerusalem streets, as these young women pose for a photo at a Jerusalem bus stop.

But not to worry, there will be no boring days now that the Marathon and Purim are finally over.

Signs for Jerusalem arts festival

Signs are up for the Jerusalem Arts Festival.

The Art and Brain Festival at Cinematheque is back again this week.

I do not need the Fly Over Birds Festival to be aware of bird migration, as they are outside my window chirping away loudly before dawn.

Clocks are changing on March 29, so being tired is a certainty.

And the annual Sounds of Night Festival is next week.

However, one last time until next year…

Purim sameach on bus, Happy Purim sign on bus, Jerusalem photo purim

Purim sameach! Happy Purim!

 

 

Jerusalem Marathon Highlights

Jerusalem Marathon Highlights

Early Friday morning on March 15, 2019, 40,000 runners filled the Jerusalem, Israel, streets for the 9th International Jerusalem Winner Marathon.

Jerusalem Marathon runners

Thousands from around the world came to run in the full marathon and other races.

Jerusalem marathon runners

Streets were closed for these athletes with blue tags for full marathon.

Jerusalem marathon runners

The full Jerusalem marathon runners seemed to keep coming.

Medical support team on street corner for Jerusalem marathon

Emergency teams were in place, but I did not hear any reports of serious injury.

Jerusalem marathon runners in costumes

Some of the runners dressed up as superheroes.

Led motorcycle for half marathon runners

Oops, this motorcycle lead for the half marathon first place went by so quickly.

Jerusalem Half marathon leaders

I missed him coming, and only got a shot after he whizzed past.

Second place Jerusalem half marathon

But second place was not far behind and here he is coming into the home stretch.

This year I decided to take fewer photos, so I missed the rest of the half marathon runners.

Arab media at Jerusalem marathon

International media covered the event, here is one doing an interview in Arabic.

Flag of Syria flying for Jerusalem marathon runner

The flags of the eighty participating countries are flying along the route to starting line.  This year for the first time there was a Syrian flag.

Stormy weather day before Jerusalem Marathon

Heavy rains the day before of the marathon blocked view of Jaffa Gate.

Marathon elite runners with Mayor Moshe Lion Jerusalem marathon

Mayor Moshe Lion and dignitaries had to pose inside with elite runners.

Mud at Jerusalem marathon in Sacher park

Gan Sacher, Sacher Park, was one big mud patch, but the sun was shining and temperature cool and pleasant for the races.

Tarp over mud in Gan Sacher for Jerusalem marathon

Key areas were covered, like this area near the stage where the first place medals were awarded.

The Jerusalem Marathon is always more than a competition for the fastest running.

Shalva teen runners in 10 K race Jerusalem marathon

Team Shalva had teen participants from US schools, among its hundreds of supporters. Shalva raises large sums each year from this event.

Non profits supported by Jerusalem marathon runners

Other nonprofits and charities had teams and booths in the park.

Booth and charity organizations Jerusalem marathon

Teams from Camp HASC and AMIT, and over 100 good causes, come year after year.

Team for new runners in memory of Ari Fuld at Jerusalem Marathon

One new team this year was Lion of Tzion. These young people organized to run to raise money to buy a food truck in memory of Ari Fuld z”l to take food and treats to IDF soldiers.

Activities in Sacher Park during Jerusalem marathon

Trampolines were set up in the park as one of the activities for families, and at an early hour it was not crowded.

Sacher Park morning of Jerusalem marathon

But in spite of weather the day before, and in spite of the mud in the park, runners and their supporters came.

NInja equipment at Sacher Park for Jerusalem marathon

For the new ninja, there was a long line waiting for a turn.

Media waiting for winner of full Jerusalem marathon to arrive at finish line

Media was waiting for the full marathon winner to arrive and cross the finish line.

There were two main finish lines, the one in the park was only for the full marathon,

while the long list of other races end at the other locations outside of the park.

Crowd waiting for full marathon winner to cross finish line

This was the crowd waiting to greet the marathon winner.

Moshe Lion Jerusalem mayor at finish line for Jerusalem marathon

New Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion was ready at the finish line for a photo op.

Jerusalem mayor Moshe Lion at finish line when first place runner of Jerusalem marathon arrives

Mayor Lion stood waiting for the winner, front and center.

Jerusalem mayor Moshe Lion at Jerusalem marathon finish line

So center, with the medal in his hand, the mayor blocked my view of both the first and second place finishers.

Winners Jerusalem marathon with mayor Lion at finish line

All the first place runners were from Kenya this year.

But there was more action at the starting lines and the other finish lines.

The starting line was out of the park and up the hill toward the Israel Museum and Knesset.

Start of 10K race of Jerusalem marathon

At the various starts there was a burst of energy and excitement.

Former mayor Nir Barkat running 10 K race in Jerusalem marathon

For years I tried to get a photo of former Mayor Nir Barkat.

This year I did not try and there he was with the green tag to the right.

Excitement of the starting line Jerusalem marathon

So many smiles and such excitement, this woman was with a group from Hong Kong.

starting line of Jerusalem marathon

Thousands waited for their starts, over and over, every 15 minutes for the 10K races.

finish line for family 5K race Jerusalem Marathon

There was also a special 5K track for a family friendly, slower paced walk.

Runners near finish line of Jerusalem marathon for 10K races

The finish line for the 10K runners was impressive.

Pushing wheel chair in Jerusalem marathon

People were pushing baby strollers.

Pushing a wheelchair in race Jerusalem, Marathon

Also there were runners pushing wheelchairs in various races.

Finish line Jerusalem marathon

Seems each year, one person I find at start and finish. I was not looking for him this year, but there was Nir Barkat.

Crowd coming and going from marathon

Runners were still arriving as people were slowly walking home.

jerusalem marathon runners entering park near finish line

Full marathon runners were arriving to Gan Sacher on this newly finished path.

Cleaning up water bottles after marathon

Hundreds of volunteers were cleaning up thousands of water bottles along the route.

The Jerusalem Winner Marathon has become more than an annual sports competition.

Each year I go back, and say I will take fewer photos, but do not succeed.

Here are two examples of why I spend hours walking and sharing this event.

Two young runners in Jerusalem marathon on way to family walk

One their way to the midday family run, I met up with one family.

Big brother gave his medal for finishing the 5K run to his little brother.

And with all the tens of thousands of runners at the finish line, some seem more special.

Team spirit. Family spirit. A day of unity. Am Yisrael Chai.

Leah ready to cross finish line of Jerusalem marathon

Some smiles were more special than others, races were not about who came in first.

Finally – with posting this, my Jerusalem Marathon is over for this year.

Now time to get ready for next marathon!

Crazy Purim in Jerusalem, check out official events HERE

Chag sameach, Purim sameach, Happy Purim image

 

Are you up to more Jerusalem Marathon, check out photos HERE  and HERE