Yom Haatzmaut – Page 10 – The Real Jerusalem Streets

Ready to Celebrate Israel’s 64th Independence Day

April 24, 2012rjstreets

If you are not in Jerusalem this week

you are missing out on a very special time,

as Jerusalem gets ready for Yom Ha’atzmaut, Independence Day.

The weather has been cool and sunny during the day, with clear blue skies,

as the streets fill with blue and white Israeli flags.

At major intersections someone is usually selling flags for car windows.

Even Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu stopped his motorcade to buy a flag.

It is reported that he gave the seller a 5 shekel tip.

I wonder how you report that for taxes?

As you can see,

in some neighborhoods business has been very good this year.

This flag was one I had not seen before. It reads “God, He is King.”

The long Israeli flags are flying and ready for Independence Day,

but yesterday I was lucky to see…

the dress rehearsal of planes as they flew over

the Knesset Building

and the Israel Museum.

They were fast, loud and high in the sky as they flew away from Jerusalem.

There was time for one photo as they were coming towards me,

just before they split from their perfect formation.

This morning, the sad music on the radio has begun…

for first we will experience the flames and tears of Yom Hazikaron,

Remembrance Day for the fallen soldiers and victims of terror.

After remembering those lost in war and to terror attacks,

then it will be time to celebrate Israel’s 64th Independence Day.

Google Maps Jerusalem

April 20, 2012rjstreets

Google cars were in Jerusalem in November 2011,

they were easy to recognize going up and down the streets.

Now Google Street Views of Israel are going on-line

and everyone can find their favorite Jerusalem street.

You will still see signs for Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day.

However,

this time of year you will see Israeli flags lining the streets,

hanging in store windows,

and flying along many major roads.

The signs are out, Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day, is next week.

What a perfect time for Google to show the Jerusalem streets

turning blue & white for Israel’s 64th birthday celebrations!

I wrote about a special Yom Hashoah event for The Times of Israel,

please check it out and comment.

To Celebrate…62

April 22, 2010rjstreets

Yom Ha’atzmaut

Israel Independence Day

6 Iyar 5770 April 20, 2010

For many families the transition from Yom Hazikaron

into the celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut is difficult,

going right after an intense day of mourning into party mode.

But there were many and varied ways to celebrate this year,

62 years of the State of Israel.

Plenty of blue and white and flags,

nighttime party options;

food and drink and music and fireworks…

well into the night and morning hours.

For many families the day is begun

by watching the televised

International Bible Quiz

held at the Jerusalem Theater.

This year there was extra security,

as the Prime Minister’s son was the

finalist representing Jerusalem.

Provisions for extra security

were well under way the day before.

Located around the corner from the theater is Beit Hanasi, the President’s Residence

where the annual Israel Prizes are awarded;

this could explain the blimp hovering over the area in the morning.

The real Jerusalem streets were getting ready to celebrate,

parking spots on the sidewalk along Gan Sacher were filled quickly in the morning.

Not only was Gan Sacher full of people, but also

parks and nature strips all around the city and country, with people and mangals, BBQs,

the smell of grilled meat filled the air; a day for family and friend reunions.

Even the signs leading into Jerusalem were in holiday mode,

displaying holiday greetings and symbols, instead of the usual traffic congestion and accident warnings.

After dark Gan Sacher was still busy with people celebrating,

as the last remains of the charcoal turned to ash.

After all the celebrations,

people moved a little slow and looked a bit worn the next day.