Winter Dreams II

I always try to use this space to share the Israel I love - its history, its landscapes, its creativity and culture. I generally stay away from politics. But sometimes politics does not stay away from us.
For the past two days, sirens have sounded almost constantly and missiles have flown overhead. Most have been intercepted by the remarkable Iron Dome defence system, for which we are deeply grateful, though heartbreakingly not all have been stopped.
For years, both Israel and the United States have expressed serious concerns about Iran's nuclear and missile programmes. Tensions have been building steadily, and on Saturday 28th February, the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran, targeting military infrastructure and key sites. During the operation, named "Lion’s Roar" - Sha'agat Ha’Ari in Hebrew - Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, was killed.
What happens next is uncertain. The situation could escalate further, and I will not pretend that I am not afraid. At the same time, I am holding on to hope. I hope that the people of Iran, who have endured decades under a regime often more focused on hostility towards the State of Israel than on the welfare of its own citizens, may one day experience freedom, stability and peace. For Israel, I hope that the threat of a nuclear Iran will be removed.
In the meantime, I want to share something lighter - a post about a light festival I visited a few weeks ago, Winter Dreams II. It already feels so distant now, indeed, like a dream from another lifetime.

At the end of January, Mister Handmade in Israel and I went to see 'Winter Dreams II', a large international light festival created by Deutsche Entertainment Aktiengesellschaft (DEAG), one of Europe's leading entertainment and production companies. It was held at the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens in Givat Ram. The festival, which had already been hugely popular in cities like Berlin, Barcelona, Paris, London, and Rome, ran for two months. Luckily, we managed to visit just before it ended.

As part of the festival, we followed a scenic trail illuminated with stunning light displays, giant LED sculptures, and creative interactive effects that responded to movement and sound. The lights were perfectly paired with an original musical soundtrack, making the walk feel truly magical. Mister Handmade in Israel said it felt like being on the set of a Disney film!

Around two million colourful LED lights lit up the trail, lake, and treetops. Highlights included the lotus-filled lake, where dozens of glowing globes floated gently on the water while the surrounding trees sparkled with stars. We also admired the 5.5 metre-high illuminated Roman Gate, a glowing kaleidoscope path, a 17 metre-long light train, and a giant ultraviolet dragon head. The Botanical Gardens' large greenhouse was transformed into a laser show complex - although, to be honest, we were excited when we entered but felt a bit underwhelmed by the rest.

No festival would be complete without food. Stalls curated by Chef Moshik Roth brought gourmet (and pricey!) winter flavours with a European vibe to Jerusalem. We joined the queue for chips and hot apple cider. The chips were perfectly crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy inside, while the cider was warm, fragrant and delicious! It was a simple but wonderfully tasty way to enjoy our stroll.

Overall, the festival created a magical winter atmosphere in the heart of Jerusalem. But was it as impressive as the Festival of Light we used to enjoy in Jerusalem's Old City? Not even close.

* This post has been shared on Mosaic Monday, Busy Monday