Happy 64th Israel!!

Composite image of fireworks display for Israel's 64th Independence Day on Mount Hertzl in Jerusalem. Jerusalem, Israel. 25-Apr-2012.

Israel Air Force salutes the President with a 3-helicopter flyover above the Presidential Residence on the morning of Israel's 64th Independence Day. Foreground sign indicates left to Jabotinsky Street and right to the President’s Boulevard. Jerusalem, Israel. 26-Apr-2012.

Memorial Day

Everything comes to a stop nationwide, including the Jerusalem Light Rail, at exactly 11:00 on Memorial Day as a two-minute air-raid siren shatters the silence. Passengers stand solemnly contemplating Israel’s 22,993 fallen soldiers and terror victims. Jerusalem, Israel. 25-Apr-2012.

A mother lays her head in grief on the grave of her son in the Police section of Mt. Hertzl Military Cemetery. Jerusalem, Israel. 25-Apr-2012.

A lone IDF soldier sits by the grave of a family member or friend at Mt. Hertzl Military Cemetery on Memorial Day. Jerusalem, Israel. 25-Apr-2012.

Clicking each of the images above will take you to a different set!

 

Preparations Underway for Memorial Day

IDF Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General, Benny Gantz, salutes Lieutenant Hila Betzaleli, 20, killed last week after being struck by a collapsing steel lighting fixture during rehearsal for Remembrance Day ceremony, as grieving mother weeps. Jerusalem, Israel. 22-Apr-2012.

IDF soldiers of all units and beret colors take part in a pre-Memorial Day ceremony in which small flags at half-mast with black ribbons symbolizing grief are placed on the graves of all 22,993 fallen soldiers nationwide. Jerusalem, Israel. 22-Apr-2012.

IDF Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General, Benny Gantz, places small flags at half-mast with black ribbons symbolizing grief on the freshest graves of fallen soldiers at Mount Herztel Military Cemetery before Memorial Day. Jerusalem, Israel. 22-Apr-2012.

Israel Police Commissioner, Yohanan Danino, leads a pre-Memorial Day ceremony in which small flags are placed on the graves of all 1,418 fallen police officers nationwide, beginning with the last deceased, Commander Shimon Gabai. Jerusalem, Israel. 22-Apr-2012.

Policemen stand at attention during a pre-Memorial Day ceremony with families of the dead in the Police Section of the Mt. Hertzel military Cemetery. Jerusalem, Israel. 22-Apr-2012.

Policemen stand at attention during a pre-Memorial Day ceremony with families of the dead in the Police Section of the Mt. Hertzel military Cemetery. Jerusalem, Israel. 22-Apr-2012.

Israel Police Commissioner, Yohanan Danino (center), leads a pre-Memorial Day ceremony in which small flags are placed on the graves of all 1,418 fallen police officers nationwide, beginning with the last deceased, Commander Shimon Gabai. Jerusalem, Israel. 22-Apr-2012.

Greek Orthodox Maundy Thursday at the Holy Sepulchre – Jerusalem

Thousands assemble at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Maundy Thursday services led by Theophilus III, Patriarch of Jerusalem, and the traditional Washing of the Feet ceremony. Jerusalem, Israel. 12-Apr-2012.

Thousands assemble at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Maundy Thursday services led by Theophilus III, Patriarch of Jerusalem, and the traditional Washing of the Feet ceremony. Jerusalem, Israel. 12-Apr-2012.

Barefooted priests await their turn in the traditional Washing of the Feet ceremony, conducted by Theophilus III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, at the Holy Sepulchre Church on Maundy Thursday. Jerusalem, Israel. 12-Apr-2012.

Theophilus III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, wearing a white robe, kneels before priests to wash their feet in the traditional Washing of the Feet ceremony, at the Holy Sepulchre Church on Maundy Thursday. Jerusalem, Israel. 12-Apr-2012.

Thousands assemble at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Maundy Thursday services led by Theophilus III, Patriarch of Jerusalem, and the traditional Washing of the Feet ceremony. Jerusalem, Israel. 12-Apr-2012.

PM of Italy Mario Monti visits Yad Vashem – Jerusalem

Italian Prime Minister, Mario Monti, and wife, Antonioli Monti, receive instruction from Dr. Yael Nidam Orvietto as they gaze up at enlarged Pages of Testimony displayed on the ceiling of the Hall of Names at Yad Vashem. Jerusalem, Israel. 9-Apr-2012.

12, 1012 or 2012?

Christian African pilgrims await the opening of the doors to the Holy Sepulchre Church on Good Friday. Jerusalem, Israel. 6-Apr-2012.

… and many more images of devoted pilgrims HERE

 

Believers at the Holy Sepulchre on Holy Thursday – Jerusalem

Archbishop Fouad Twal, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, arrives at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to lead services on Holy Thursday. Jerusalem, Israel. 5-Apr-2012.

A devoted nun kisses the Stone of Unction in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Holy Thursday. Jerusalem, Israel. 5-Apr-2012.

Sunlight flows in from a window in the ceiling of the Rotunda, above praying nuns and priests, in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre during services on Holy Thursday. Jerusalem, Israel. 5-Apr-2012.

A man lights candles in worship in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre during services on Holy Thursday. Jerusalem, Israel. 5-Apr-2012.

Jonathan Pollard remembered on Passover – Jerusalem

On Passover Eve, signifying the exodus from bondage, MK Uri Ariel (L) joins Efi Lahav (R), campaign manager for the release of Jonathan Pollard, in a mock, traditional, Pesach Seder opposite the PM’s residence with a chair reserved for Pollard himself. Jerusalem, Israel. 5-Apr-2012.

Bereaved father Kobi Sarusi on 5th day of hunger strike

Kobi Sarusi, who lost his 14 year old daughter, Linoi Sarusi, to a terrorist attack in October 2002, wears a pendant engraved with daughter’s picture and protests in a hunger strike opposite the PM’s residence against Social Security Administration. Jerusalem, Israel. 5-Apr-2012.

New Archaeological find reveals the birth of Christianity – Jerusalem

Together with Professor James Tabor of the university of North Carolina and Professor Rami Arav of the University of Nebraska, Jacobovici and his team commissioned a state-of-the-art robotic probe to explore deep beneath a Jerusalem apartment building, discovering never before seen 1st century artifacts. Among the discoveries are the earliest testimony of faith in the resurrection of Jesus, pre-dating any New Testament Gospels, the earliest Christian symbols ever discovered, the oldest 1st century Christian symbol found in Jerusalem, the earliest representation in Jewish art of a biblical story and the earliest record of a teaching, or saying, of Jesus passed on orally, perhaps by someone who heard him say it.

Simcha Jacobovici explains the ornamentation on painstakingly reproduced replicas of the still buried ossuaries and the significance of drawings of the biblical story of Jonah and the whale in regard to faith in the resurrection of Jesus. Jerusalem, Israel. 4-Apr-2012.

“The Resurrection Tomb” will be aired during Easter Week, across the United States and Canada on April 12th (Easter is celebrated on Sunday, April 8, 2012).

Matthew 16:4 – “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and a sign will not be given it, except the sign of Jonah. And he left them and went away.

Matthew 12:40 – “…For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of earth.”

Luke 11:30 – “For just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevities, so will the Son of Man be to this generation.”

Prof. James D. Tabor explains the ornamentation on painstakingly reproduced replicas of the still buried ossuaries and the significance of Greek writings in regard to faith in the resurrection of Jesus. Jerusalem, Israel. 4-Apr-2012.

Project “Hour Glass”: Building the Israel-Egypt border fence – Negev

The Israel-Egypt security fence, project name Hour Glass, is an attempt to stop illegal immigration of tens of thousands from Africa, terrorist infiltration and contraband smuggling into Israel. Now stretching 110Km aim is 230Km by December.

Egyptian military lookout post on Egyptian side of border adjacent to new Hour Glass fence erected on Israeli side. Negev, Israel. 3-Apr-2012.

General Eran Ophir, Head of Hour Glass Project Administration, surveys progress along the new Hour Glass security fence. Negev, Israel. 3-Apr-2012.

New “Hour Glass” Israel-Egypt border fence is 5 meters high and made of galvanized steel bars and mesh and reinforced with technical surveillance equipment. When completed it will stretch from the southern Gaza Strip to Eilat. Negev, Israel. 3-Apr-2012.

A Busy Jerusalem Day…

Christians celebrate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday at The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Coptic Chapel. Jerusalem, Israel. 1-Apr-2012.

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Archbishop Fouad Twal (C), joins priests carrying palm branches in a Palm Sunday procession at The Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Jerusalem, Israel. 1-Apr-2012.

A group of South Sudanese refugees protests opposite the Prime Minister’s Residence as collective protection from deportation for South Sudanese expires today. Jerusalem District Court has issued an injunction forbidding deportation before April 15th. Jerusalem, Israel. 1-Apr-2012.

A group of South Sudanese refugees protests opposite the Prime Minister’s Residence as collective protection from deportation for South Sudanese expires today. Jerusalem District Court has issued an injunction forbidding deportation before April 15th. Jerusalem, Israel. 1-Apr-2012.

Thousands take part in Palm Sunday procession ascending from Gethsemane to the Lions’ Gate, carrying palm branches, singing ‘Hosanna to the Son of David’ and accompanied by musical instruments. Jerusalem, Israel. 1-Apr-2012.

Two nuns descend from the Mount of Olives in Palm Sunday procession carrying palm branches in celebration of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Jerusalem, Israel. 1-Apr-2012.

 

And what did you do today?

 

Mayor Barkat welcomes swifts nesting at the Kotel – Jerusalem

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men stand on a balcony in the Jewish Quarter and view a welcoming ceremony for thousands of swifts returning from South Africa to nest in the Western Wall as spring and breeding season arrive. Jerusalem, Israel. 12-Mar-2012.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, Mrs. Naomi Tsur, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, Dr. Yossi Leshem, from the Tel-Aviv University and Society for the Protection of Nature and Amnonn Hahn, General Manager of “FRIENDS OF THE SWIFTS” Association in Israel take part in a welcoming ceremony for thousands of swifts returning from South Africa to nest in the Western Wall as spring and breeding season arrive.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat addresses guests at a welcoming ceremony for thousands of swifts returning from South Africa to nest in the Western Wall as spring and breeding season arrive. Jerusalem, Israel. 12-Mar-2012.

The Western Wall in Jerusalem serves as one of the oldest Common Swift nesting sites in the world. A special study to map the nests was conducted in 2002 by the researcher, Mr. Ulrich Tigges and by the late Prof. Mendelssohn during which 88 nests were noted. This study map served as a guideline during the work of strengthening the Western Wall, keeping the nests unblocked.

Jerusalem Mayor Mr. Nir Barkat and Deputy Mayor Ms. Naomi Tsur exchange words at a welcoming ceremony for thousands of swifts returning from South Africa to nest in the Western Wall as spring and breeding season arrive. Jerusalem, Israel. 12-Mar-2012.

However, the future of the Common Swift is not secure at all and their future is at risk. The FRIENDS OF THE SWIFTS Association, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel and Tel-Aviv University are working together to promise the future of the Common Swift by all available means: saving existing nesting sites, designing and building new ones, special educational programs in schools, assisting Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers, and PR activities to increase public awareness of this special bird and the problems it faces.

Jerusalem Mayor Mr. Nir Barkat (C) and Deputy Mayor Ms. Naomi Tsur (R) receive a book on ornithology from Dr. Yossi Leshem (L), of the Tel-Aviv University and Society for the Protection of Nature. Jerusalem, Israel. 12-Mar-2012.

The Common Swift is a unique bird that spends most of its life on the wing. It feeds on flying insects, which it hunts in the air, it drinks while flying, it sleeps on the wing and it even mates on the wing at the beginning of the breeding season. The Common Swift spends most of the time living in South Africa in dense colonial groups and at the beginning of spring starts migrating north to its breeding sites. During mid-February it arrives in Israel, which is known to be one of its first breeding sites, and migrates back to Africa at the beginning of June, immediately after its nestlings have fledged. It is a small bird, weighing only 35 – 45 grams, but is a superior flier, an aerial acrobat. It has a thin, short body and impressive, long, scythe-like wings with an outstanding aspect ratio. Ever since humans have started building cities, the Common Swift has found our buildings perfect for nesting sites including ancient holy sites such as churches, synagogues, mosques and temples, and has become dependent on us.

Swifts begin to congregate above the Western Wall in the late hours of the afternoon in a brilliant aerobatic display of flight capabilities. The Western Wall in Jerusalem serves as one of the oldest Common Swift nesting sites in the world. Jerusalem, Israel. 12-Mar-2012.

Empowering Women on International Women’s Day

Posters of female neighborhood residents are displayed in the French Hill with their names and occupations on International Women’s’ Day defying a citywide wave of gender segregation in the public sphere imposed by religious pressure.

A poster of Dorit, a poet, is displayed in the French Hill on International Women’s Day defying a citywide wave of gender segregation in the public sphere imposed by religious pressure. Jerusalem, Israel. 8-Mar-2012.

In view of a citywide wave of gender segregation in the public sphere imposed by religious pressure and near-liquidation of advertisements including photos of women, this year’s International Women’s Day gets special meaning in Jerusalem. In the secular neighborhood of the French Hill a special campaign empowering women, residents of the neighborhood, puts twenty photos of women on display while giving them a name, an occupation and a meaningful identity. The posters also declare “Welcome to the French Hill!”

A poster of Sarit, a kindergarten teacher, is displayed in the French Hill on International Women’s Day defying a citywide wave of gender segregation in the public sphere imposed by religious pressure. Jerusalem, Israel. 8-Mar-2012.

The project was initiated by residents of the neighborhood themselves in an interest to make the neighborhood more attractive for secular young people. Photos were created voluntarily by a female photography major from Betzalel School of Art and graphic artists from the neighborhood also volunteered their services. Their message is “We are women and we are here to stay!”

A poster of Dalya, a rabbi, is displayed in the French Hill on International Women’s Day defying a citywide wave of gender segregation in the public sphere imposed by religious pressure. Jerusalem, Israel. 8-Mar-2012.

Ethiopians Are Losing Hope – Jerusalem

For 23 days Ethiopian Israelis have been occupying a protest tent outside the Prime Minister’s Residence in Jerusalem, demonstrating against what they consider paralyzing racism and discrimination against them in Israeli society. Jerusalem, Israel. 6-Mar-2012.

Shetu Yaacov (R), 31, opposite the PM’s residence at Ethiopian protest test in front of handwritten banner reading “the danger of racism is on the rise”. Jerusalem, Israel. 6-Mar-2012.

Shetu Yaacov, 31, born in the district of Gondar in Ethiopia, immigrated to Israel in 1990 at the age of nine. Shetu lives, just barely, in a rented apartment in Jerusalem. He is late with his monthly rent payments and will soon have no choice but to leave Jerusalem to find an apartment with lower rent elsewhere. Although he has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and is currently employed by the Jerusalem Municipality indirectly, he cannot find a more stable job and must settle working through contractors on projects that deal solely with the Ethiopian community – he’s not wanted for anything else. Shetu believes it was his financial hardships that lead to his divorce. His ex-wife and one-year-old daughter have moved to his wife’s parents and he does his best to visit his daughter once every two weeks.

For 23 days Ethiopian Israelis have been occupying a protest tent outside the Prime Minister’s Residence in Jerusalem, demonstrating against what they consider paralyzing racism and discrimination against them in Israeli society. Jerusalem, Israel. 6-Mar-2012.

A recent study by Dr. Erez Siniver, chairman of the School of Economics at the College of Management, Academic Studies and Prof. Gil Epstein of Bar-Ilan University, based on Central Bureau of Statistics data from 2010 and comparing data for people with 12 years of schooling or less concludes that Ethiopian immigrants to Israel earn 30%-40% less then Israeli Arabs, until recently occupying the bottom of the scale.

Shetu Yaacov does his best to occupy the protest test whenever he can. He comes on weekends and between work shifts. He was here last week, freezing in the snow, when temperatures in Jerusalem hit zero. He believes it’s important to continuously occupy the protest tent until Ethiopians receive what they are entitled to and is very worried about the eviction order they were served by the Jerusalem Municipality, to be debated in the Jerusalem District court this afternoon.

Shetu details the demands of the protestors. First on their agenda is housing – many are unable to fund rent. They don’t even dream of buying an apartment. They can receive no assistance from their parents who in most cases are worst off. 95% of the working community are exploited by contractors, he explains, in low-pay jobs such as cleaning and security. “The younger generations, those of us who have married and brought children, cannot survive.” Many marriages break up and the people go back to living with their parents. “The government doesn’t care about us. That’s why we’re here. They close us in ghettos and isolate us from society.”

Second on the agenda is education and schooling; “After thirty years our community is in the country I cannot understand the racism that forces our children to go to separate kindergartens and schools.”

Shetu is frustrated with, what he calls, paralyzing racism, that won’t allow him to work as a social worker with communities other than Ethiopians. Many of his friends cannot get jobs at all. He heard from a young woman who changed her name on a job application so that she could not be identified as Ethiopian. She was summoned for an interview but as soon as she entered the room it was obvious to her she would not get the job.

Suicides are becoming very frequent, Shetu explains with great emotion; “People who have been through the hell of the camps of Gondar, come to Israel, lose hope and kill themselves.”

Shetu Yaacov, 31, explains with great emotion; “People who have been through the hell of the camps of Gondar, come to Israel, lose hope and kill themselves”, outside the Ethiopian protest tent opposite the PM’s residence. Jerusalem, Israel. 6-Mar-2012.

“My personal situation is relatively good. Others have lost hope” he summarizes.

Pre-Jerusalem International Marathon Press Conference

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat leads a press conference on the rooftop of Notre Dame Hotel regarding the upcoming second Jerusalem International Marathon explaining the routes, logistics, special benefits to runners and city residents. Jerusalem, Israel. 6-Mar-2012.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat leads a press conference on the rooftop of Notre Dame Hotel regarding the upcoming second Jerusalem International Marathon explaining the routes, logistics, special benefits to runners and city residents. Jerusalem, Israel. 6-Mar-2012.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat (R) and Itzchak Lari (L), Deputy GM of Toto Winner, a major marathon sponsor, release helium filled balloons to the sky following a press conference regarding the upcoming second Jerusalem International Marathon. Jerusalem, Israel. 6-Mar-2012.

A view of the Dome of The Rock from the Notre Dame Hotel rooftop as Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat leads a press conference regarding the upcoming second Jerusalem International Marathon. Jerusalem, Israel. 6-Mar-2012.

Dutch tulips in full blossom – Jerusalem

Tulips blossom in splendor opposite the Knesset Parliament Building. These flowers are some of a gift of 50,000 bulbs presented by Christians For Israel from The Netherlands to the city of Jerusalem in December last year. Jerusalem, Israel. 6-Mar-2012.

Long awaited snow arrives – Jerusalem

Jerusalemites woke up this morning to a thin white blanket covering the city. After several years of anticipation and disappointments snow is finally here. Heavy snowfall continues this morning disrupting schools and public transportation. Jerusalem, Israel. 02-Mar-2012.

The Jerusalem Municipality is operating heavy equipment in an attempt to clear roads but Egged, the biggest public bus system serving the city, has announced that all public transportation in the city, to and from it, is suspended for the time being. Exams at the Hebrew University have been postponed.

A young woman makes her way in a snowstorm after many years without snow in Jerusalem. Heavy snowfall continues this morning disrupting schools and public transportation. Jerusalem, Israel. 02-Mar-2012.

An outdoor café is empty as Jerusalemites woke up this morning to a thin white blanket covering the city. After several years of disappointment snow is finally here. Heavy snowfall continues this morning disrupting schools and public transportation. Jerusalem, Israel. 02-Mar-2012.

Teenagers enjoy a first snowfall in Jerusalem after many years. Heavy snowfall continues this morning disrupting schools and public transportation. Jerusalem, Israel. 02-Mar-2012.

Croatian President Ivo Josipovic Visits the Knesset – Jerusalem

Prof. Ivo Josipovic, President of the Republic of Croatia, is lead by House Speaker Reuven Rivlin, as a guest of the Knesset. A reception ceremony was followed by an invitation to address the Knesset Plenum. Jerusalem, Israel. 15th February 2012.

Prof. Ivo Josipovic, President of the Republic of Croatia, is lead by House Speaker Reuven Rivlin, as a guest of the Knesset. A reception ceremony was followed by an invitation to address the Knesset Plenum. Jerusalem, Israel. 15th February 2012.

Croatian flags fly alongside Israeli flags at a reception ceremony welcoming Prof. Ivo Josipovic, President of the Republic of Croatia, as a guest of the Knesset. The President later addressed the plenum. Jerusalem, Israel. 15th February 2012.

Threat Closes Temple Mount to Non-Muslims – Jerusalem

Jerusalem District Police Commander, Niso Shacham, instructs closure of the Temple Mount to non-Muslims following publication saying “Purify the Temple Mount of land-stealing enemies of Israel”. Jerusalem, Israel. 12th February 2012.

In an effort to prevent an outbreak of riots, Jerusalem District Police Commander, Niso Shacham, instructed the closure of the Temple Mount and Al-Aqsa compound to Jews and tourists this morning. Fliers discovered called supporters to “purify the Temple Mount of land-stealing enemies of Israel”, allegedly signed by far-right Likud member Moshe Feiglin. Feiglin denies any connection to the publication. The Al-Aqsa compound remains open to Muslim worshippers.

Riot Police reinforced in numbers on hand to maintain order near the Mugrabi Bridge as Jerusalem District Police Commander, Niso Shacham, instructs closure of the Temple Mount to non-Muslims. Jerusalem, Israel. 12th February 2012.