tourism – Page 73 – The Real Jerusalem Streets

Jerusalem Parade Day

October 3, 2010rjstreets

While many people went North or overseas for the holiday week,

on Wednesday, September 28, Gan Sacher, Sacher Park, filled with thousands of people.

Large crowds enjoyed the children’s entertainment,

as groups waited for hours in the heat to march in the Jerusalem Parade.

Banners and flags were everywhere.

The park was a busy place,

and so was the parade route, with enthusiastic crowds waving flags and singing.

Firetrucks with balloons

and police dogs were among the first of many service and military groups that led the parade.

The new light rail train was on display on Jaffa Street, in contrast to

modes of transportation from old

and even older eras.

International groups

from Australia to

the United States,

from Papua New Guinea

and Russia,

Thailand

and Taiwan, were among those that marched.

Many groups were singing, haveinu shalom aleichem, bringing greetings of peace,

women from the Philippines were dancing.

After groups with colorful flags and I Love Israel tee shirts,

still many more were waiting in the park to join the parade.

There was extra security and roads were closed,

but there was more than one way

to get around.

Despite the oppressive heat, the positive energy and party atmosphere was impressive.

Sukkot celebrations in Jerusalem returned to the city center,

but as usual, the resulting massive traffic tie-ups were the topic of conversation for days.

Jerusalem: Green Light Don’t Go

August 16, 2010August 8, 2018rjstreets

The Jerusalem streets can be very dangerous.

Many are too narrow for modern vehicles

and sidewalks are often blocked

forcing people to walk in the street in traffic.

The traffic lights in the center of town often come in pairs,

many times the closer light can be red, while the further one is green.

Those unfamiliar with this system often unwittingly step in the cross walk

in front of oncoming traffic.

While some intersections are extremely complicated,

the corner of Shalom Aleichem and Keren Hayesod Streets

is especially dangerous.

The red light visible from most angles

is really green.

Much more dangerous though,

the green light is really red.

While this traffic light was always hard to see behind the street sign,

now the large advertising sign blocks the line of vision,

making it almost impossible to see the traffic light.

Thousands of visitors walk from Gan Hapa’amon, Liberty Bell Park area

on Keren Hayesod Street towards town,

this is a tragedy waiting to happen.

Many tourists eager to get into town look across the street,

see a green light and continue walking.

This recent sign says it all:

“Be Careful on the Roads-It’s a Matter of Life”

and hopefully, not death… or injury.

Festival Time

August 5, 2010rjstreets

Kids are still on their long summer vacation,

most summer camps are over, and it is hot.

During the month of August,

parents have to find a way to entertain their children.

It is festival time.

In the center of Jerusalem, on Shamai Street, the Friday afternoon happening

was hard to find.

The second week we did find live music

and a street entertainer.

But to be fair,

Funkenstein was happening around the corner at the same time.

The first week of the Children’s Story festival held in the Liberty Bell Park

did not have the usual large crowds of young children.

It could be that it is just too hot outside and

the children’s movie festival will draw larger crowds.

Even in the heat, the street actors are performing.

Located in the area just outside the walls of the Old City,

is Khutsot Hayotser, the International Arts & Crafts Festival,

an annual summer entertainment highlight.

It is costly compared to other events,

but there are many activities and it is popular with families.

Before the opening, local Israeli artists were busy getting ready.

They count on this annual event to draw visitors to their often empty lane,

which is not far from the Jaffa Gate.

The set up for this massive event

and its security involves hundreds of people.

There are many musical and dance performances throughout the park area

and exhibits with sales displays

from 35 countries.

Every night a different musical performance is featured

in the Sultan’s Pool amphitheater,

with its huge stage

and seating stands.

This is the 35th year of Khutsot Hayotser,

which runs from August 2 to August 14.

Enough family fun and summer culture?

The beer festival is coming up next!