From Friday To Sunday Jerusalem Old City Open (Photo Essay)

By BJLIfe/Sharon Altshul
Posted on 02/07/21

Jerusalem, Israel - Feb. 7, 2021 - Health Minister Yuli Edelstein announced a gradual easing of the restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, because of the late timing of the announcement, plans for Shabbat Yitro were affected when the Israeli Cabinet approved extending the lockdown from Friday morning until Sunday morning, February 7, 2021.

The Israeli coronavirus lockdown has shut down Jerusalem's Old City and Mamilla Mall, while other areas have not felt the stringency. Friday afternoon, the Jaffa Gate remained shut. Guards near Jaffa Gate and at Zion Gate stopped and questioned families dressed in Shabbat clothes. Two armed security officers were the only people seen on the shuttered Arab market street.

Join BJL on WhatsApp Status: Click here to Join BJL status for engagements, births, deals, levayos, events & more

Join BJL on WhatsApp Groups: Click here to Join an official BJL WhatsApp group for breaking news as it happens

The extensive infrastructure work on the Kotel Plaza appeared completed. Ready for people to return with the cancellation of the restriction on distance from home. On Friday afternoon security guards insisted no praying but did allow BJL to enter for "work" and photograph the new plaza area.

Allowed in the lifting of restrictions - the opening of nature reserves, national parks, heritage sites, and Israel Antiquities Authority sites, in the open air. Places of work that do not receive the public, according to the standard.

The return of one-on-one services as hair salons. Take-away restaurant food service is now permitted, not only deliveries. Also, bed-and-breakfasts may open for nuclear families. Israeli families were still waiting for an announcement on school openings.

On Sunday morning Jaffa Gate was opened. People came and went all day with free access to the Old City. Stores in the Old City except for takeaway food remained closed. Mamilla Mall stores remained closed, including cafes, one musician played as people strolled down Mamilla Street.

As the sun was setting on the first day with the lessening of restrictions the stones of Har Hazetim appeared pink and the sky turned shades of pink and orange.