Due to the recent intifada, many people in Jerusalem have been afraid to go out to once popular night-spots. Consequently, many local shops and restaurants have been suffering financially. In response to this situation, the Jerusalem municipality decided to sponsor a series of street fairs along the Ben Yehuda pedestrian mall under extremely tight security. Each fair has had a theme including fashion, art, multiculturalism, and Judaica, to name a few. The municipality also constructed a temporary stage at one end of the mall along Zion Square and invited several popular Israeli singers and performers to give concerts. As you can see from the pictures, these fairs and concerts have been mobbed with Jerusalemites, several of whom told us with tears in their eyes that this was "the Jerusalem they remembered".

Huge crowds on Ben Yehuda

Best seat in the house		Chasids make the best cotton candy

Is it the extra flavor???

Ivri Leder concert

Jay and our friend Mark at the concert