I missed the event, but I was at the first annual Jerusalem Hug in 2007 so here you have those photos.(All photos can be enlarged with a click)
The warm-up started at a park across from the Jaffa Gate. Dancing in the drum circle.Hmm, yesterday was the summer solstice too, wasn't it.
It was hippie heaven.
You heard many languages, but not much Hebrew or Arabic.
One lone didgeridoo attracted the camera people.
This nice donkey and his owner ply the tourist route every day. Here, at the New Gate, a happy blond lady sat on the donkey and sang the Christian hymn "Jerusalem, Jerusalem."
As the fife and drums played, folks joined hands and made their way down to the Damascus Gate.
A few of the peacenik organizers gave some words of blessing.
Here's the top of the beautiful Damascus Gate (missing in the previous shot).
Then it was over. But many lingered for just a bit more of the drum beat and to savor a few more minutes of a feeling of solidarity, brotherhood, and peace. Until next May. . ..
To see an article with pictures of this year's Jerusalem Hug, please see Ynet.
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Sounds like a great event and I enjoyed the photographs.
ReplyDeleteThat's a very interesting tradition. I like the idea of giving your city a hug.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing those lovely pictures, Dina.
That looks like a very interesting, moving ceremony.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun event, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week
Guy
Regina In Pictures
I love the hymn Jerusalem Jerusalem. How care free and happy they are.
ReplyDeletePatsy
Shalom Carver, shalom Nadia, hi Guy, thanks, glad you liked the hug.
ReplyDeleteSandy, "ceremony" might be too big a word here. Let's call it a happening (in the spirit of the 60s). :)
Patsy, "Hosanna in the highest..."
WOW that looks like fun. Thanks for sharing the pics.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant brilliant, Dina! People should hug Jerusalem more and meet in happiness. Wonderful to see the digeridoo! Thanks for your visit. I've just returned from France where we celebrated la FĂȘte de la Musique.
ReplyDeleteInteresting event and great pictures. I especially like the picture ofthe Damascus gate.
ReplyDelete"Giving a city a hug" Just when I thought I've heard it all. I'm not into hugging cities or even trees but I really like your pictures and I hope to see Israel for myself someday.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a cheerful event and you've covered it pretty well! Nice job!
ReplyDeletethat was thoroughly interesting
ReplyDeleteDina, this is a great event, full of significance. Thanks for sharing this beautiful and interesting images. The Damascus Gate is amazing.
ReplyDeleteThis brought tears to my eyes again. What a wonderful thing to do. I just wish the peace and solidarity extends beyond the day and to other parts of the world.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this inspiring and hope-ful post, Dina.
At least one day a year Jerusalem is surrounded by peace and love. What a wonderful notion.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tradition!
ReplyDeleteWhat an extraordinary idea.....thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteFascinating! ... I'll be back and read more.....
ReplyDeleteWow! The only pictures I've ever seen of Jerusalem, besides those illustrations from Bible stories, are the ones on the news. In school and in church in my part of the world, we sing 'The Holy City' with the words 'Jerusalem, Jerusalem' along the chorus lines. I;ve always wondered about Jerusalem, the place everytime I hear that song.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to have seen these photos, and read about such a very interesting tradition. We could all use a hug, couldn't we? Thanks for sharing. Cheers from Bangkok!
hug is an expression of love and care; but to hug a city? - though I'd never heard this before - i love the idea ...
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing, Dina.
shalom.
What a cool thing to do...
ReplyDeleteI think that there are quite a cities in this world, that could benefit from a big hug !!
Great captures of the event..
*Hugs* Dina
ReplyDeleteDina, You are showing me a side of Jerusalem that I never knew, or would have guessed, existed. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat idea. Hippie heaven nideed :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful pictures. We were invited, but the way things have been going in my world lately there was no way I would have had the time.
ReplyDeleteI love this! What a fun and wonderful way to bring the city together for a celebration of unity.
ReplyDelete