Paula R. Stern – A Scene of Israel and My Little Country Today
A Scene of Israel:
I love taking pictures. Last night when I got out of work…I was speaking on the phone so I couldn’t take a picture of what was happening before my eyes. One part of my brain kept the conversation going, wishing I could somehow disconnect with my client and enjoy the scene.
There must be a picture somewhere, but I haven’t find it.
Here’s a picture of the scene without the scene. This is the location. Look and then try to imagine.
Take away the train, it only came later…take away the sunshine. It was about 9:00 p.m. – completely night, a summer night in a beautiful city.
There, this second one is better. Dark streets…not so empty…and music. That was the first thing I noticed – music.
And people in a group walking in the center of the road, on the tracks…all around me, people were coming out of buildings and gathering near the edge of the tracks. People were clapping, singing, taking pictures and videos.
And there in the middle, about 200 strong, walked along the light rail tracks, straight up the center of Jerusalem. Then, I saw a chuppah, a wedding canopy, being marched down the center of the tracks.
I was wondering if maybe there would be a bride and groom but I couldn’t see anyone under the chuppah as four men carried the poles and others danced in and out from underneath. At one point, the train came through and a policeman rushed to order everyone out of the way but still they kept singing and dancing.
It was an event that happens regularly all over the country, each time to great joy. Not a wedding, but the dedication of a new Torah scroll. Often written to honor or remember a loved one, the writing of a Torah scroll is a dream for many of us. It’s very expensive, takes tremendous skill and dedication and time and so it is only logical that when it is done, it is brought to the synagogue with song and dance and celebration.
I’ve seen it many time; but this was the first time I saw it right there in the middle of the city, watched over by dozens, guarded by police and security.
It was, quite simply, a symbol of our life, a scene that is so very Israel.
In My Little Country Today
In my little country today, it was sunny and the streets of Jerusalem were filled with people shopping, walking, eating. It was a normal summer day in a normal country. There are those who want to say life is not normal in Israel, but it really is. Kids play in the sunshine; parents balance jobs and kids and camp and summer plans.
Planes are flying in and planes are flying out. Sales; school supplies, the train beeps and then continues on its path.
I went to work, went shopping and bought some new towels, came home and started cooking. Normal. Really.
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| Same road, NOT our car, someone else. No injuries |
Nothing exploded (at least so far); no one was stabbed. For that alone, we are grateful. About four hours ago, my husband called to tell me that after his current meeting, he had yet another one set up. He’s going to be home late.
Two hours later, on his way there, Arabs threw a rock at his car. He saw the rock as it came towards the car, heard the boom as it hit. He did the right thing – he kept going.
He called me and told me what happened; I called the police. He’s fine. He’s fine. He’s fine. The car doesn’t even seem to be damaged, but who can tell? It’s an old car and anyway, he’s fine.
Another car was hit, it’s windshield broken by rocks; another car, further down the road and a bit later, was also hit – this time by a bullet, which was found in the car.
In all incidents, no one was hurt, thank God.
We called the police and explained where it happened. A short time later, someone from the army called me to ask the exact location and ask what had happened. I told them what I could, that I wasn’t in the car, and gave them my husband’s telephone number.
And then, as is customary in Israel, I wished him a “quiet” night. Quiet is a euphemism for peaceful, terror-attack free. And then, he wished me one back. That made me smile. He’s out there on duty tonight; I’m here in my home.
So, all I can do is wish for peace and quiet in my little country tonight.
