Posted on 12/18/23
Jerusalem, Israel - Dec. 18, 2023 - Friday night just as Shabbat was beginning. Lecho Dodi was starting in shuls, and a barrage of missiles from Gaza was aimed at Yerushalayim. The warning siren broke the silence of the night. People quickly moved to sheltered areas, the Kotel was full of people davening when a police warning told everyone to move to protected areas.
The sounds of Iron Dome interceptions were loud and nearby. They stopped. People returned to their minyanim and continued to daven
BJL decided to return to the Old City and see the situation on Monday afternoon. Chanukkah is over, but the large Chanukkah menorah near Jaffa Gate is still in the plaza.
While the number of tourists was down, Yerushalayim was not deserted, and Mamilla Mall and Rova shops were open.
A ceremony with young soldiers attracted the attention of people passing by the groups. Interesting how many of the young men in uniforms stopped to put on tefillin and one man loudly prayed for them as they stood around him near the Kotel.
On the wall of the Western Wall Heritage Building is a large poster with the bracha for the Chayalim.
One could almost forget there was a war raging in the South and North. However, constant reminders are the posters with faces of hostages prominently displayed, the extra flags flying, and signs of 'United we will win' in many, many locations.
