Heroes and Hope in Jerusalem this Week

At the end of February in Jerusalem, at least nature returned to normal with a few warm sunny days.

The almond blossoms were in full bloom.

The flowers along the Jerusalem streets were colorful against the winter green.

The election that was to be at the end of October finally happened at the end of February and resulted with Moshe Lion getting another 5-year term.

The stairway in our local school where we voted, still has not learned how to spell orange.

On the morning of October 7, Rami Davidian, a 58-year-old farmer from Moshav Patish, an Israeli farming community near the Gaza Strip, is credited with saving hundreds from the deadly Nova Festival site.  He drove back and forth between the site of the festival and the moshav for four hours, picking up and dropping off 10 or 12 young people each time, risking his life, unarmed and outnumbered. 

At the Jerusalem Prizes, he received an award, the audience rose to give the hero a standing ovation.

IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari received a standing ovation as he entered the stage to be interviewed at the Jerusalem International Conference Center at the Jewish People’s Challenges Conference of the World Zionist Organization – Jewish Agency.

Hagari has become so popular he was stopped repeatedly for selfies while trying to leave the building.

Another reluctant media personality or hero, is Thomas Hand, father of former hostage 9-year-old Emily.

His international attempts to draw attention to the plight of his daughter and other hostages were acknowledged and appreciated.

At the conference center, the hallway was lined with images of the October 7 destruction.

The past 5 months have been a battle on the field in Gaza and on social media where lies go viral.

So as time goes on, the hostage families work day and night to keep the flame going, not to forget their loved ones held by Hamas in terrible conditions in Gaza.

Jerusalem is united in wanting to bring them all home now.

How is the question?

Friday, March 8, is the 13th Jerusalem Winner Marathon, running somewhat as usual, revealing the color of the official shirts for the first time.

The event in the Givat Ram Stadium was set for the presence of the Mayor and other officials, in honor of the IDF, security forces, and rescue teams, and raising awareness for captives in Gaza.

The number 134 was in view.

The number of hostages still in Gaza.,

How nice it would be to greet them at the Jerusalem Winner Marathon as thousands run to raise money and awareness for good causes and hope for their return.