End Of Summer Nights In Old City (Video & Photo Essay)

By BJLIfe/Sharon Altshul
Posted on 08/26/21

Jerusalem, Israel _ Aug. 26, 2021 - As summer wanes and Rosh Hashanah approaches, tens of thousands of people, this year with corona restrictions, mostly Israelis, arrive in Yerushalayim. During the day, nature and water locations have been popular vacation activities. However, in the evening when the sun and the temperatures go down, the streets of the Old City fill with visitors. 

Organized tour groups, families, and gap year program participants join the locals and Israelis who frequent the Mamilla Mall, the Old City, and the Kossel.

Hearing of limits on the number of people allowed to pray again this year due to the rising corona numbers, BJL went after dark and found the Old City area bustling with visitors. The energy of the young new arrivals from overseas on year programs was evident. 

Showing a green pass was required to get near the main building of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation and tunnel tours. People were masked, however, mostly not in the Plaza area. The sounds of singing were interrupted with repeated shofar blasts. The 'corona security' units were dressed in clearly marked vests. Social distance was maintained by the majority in the men's prayer area, which was preset with shade for Thursday morning bar mitzvah celebrations.

Two weeks before, Rosh Hashanah limits and conditions have not been announced, leaving many people unsure of their holiday plans.