In the evening I opened the window to let in some fresh air after sitting in air conditioning all day.  Suddenly I heard loud buzzing and gargantuan hornets were flying around trying to get in my window.  I ran around screaming and waving my arms.  After pulling myself together I leapt to the window and shut it.  Looking out the window, I saw that there is a hornets’ nest inside my neighbor’s wall.  Yikes!  I’m keeping my window closed for now!

This little story is a metaphor for how I feel about the news in the last few weeks.  So after running around, screaming, and waving my arms, I’m shutting my metaphorical window on the news and am going to write about something else entirely. Something nice.

In a few weeks, we are going to be having a holiday of love called Tu B’Av.  It’s not exactly the commercialized Valentine’s Day of the US, but it has some similarities.  In preparation, the city of Jerusalem launched a website allowing people to pin hearts to a map of Jerusalem and tell their love story.  (I’m giving the whole link because I like the name of the site: http://www.jerusalemlovemap.co.il/)

The various shades of pink and red reflect different kinds of stories: first meeting, first date, marriage proposal, perfect date, and, in a twist on romance, the last kiss.

I clicked through some of the stories and here are two that I liked.

Think romance is dead?  Not here.

Proposal

By E. and R.

In summer 2010, I was a little wobbly after leaving a Jerusalem bar and saw a woman sitting on the sidewalk with her friends.  I talked to her and pestered her a little and went on my way.  After 50 meters, thanks to a little liquid courage in my veins, I turned back to ask for her phone number.  At the end of February 2013, I came back with the same girl and asked her to be with me forever.  She agreed.  We’re married and happy for the past three years.

And then there is the humorous.

First meeting

By Anonymous

Unbelievably, we met in a car accident on the Begin Highway.  My car was a total loss and was not drivable.  She drove me home after we exchanged information.  I did not have the heart to sue for an insurance claim, but used her number to invite her on a date.  We’re happily married today and laugh when we pass by the garage.

I think this idea is marvelous.  It’s cutting edge and a fabulous use of social media.  (Have I mentioned recently how much I like our mayor?)  All the citizens of Jerusalem are thinking about love stories instead of violence and attacks.  Jerusalem can be the city of love; we just have to get together and make it so.