The casket of Ariel Sharon was brought to Jerusalem, Israel and placed outside the Knesset Building for public viewing.
All afternoon an honor guard stood on watch next to the blue and white draped casket,
while security watched the crowd.
Besides the usual Israeli memorial flowers which surrounded the casket,
there was a colorful wreath from the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
But mostly people of ages and types came and walked by quietly.
Most stopped and took photos.
Some stopped to light memorial candles, which were placed to read “Arik Sharon” in Hebrew.
The viewing was to be over at 18:00, but the gates were kept open longer.
As it got dark, people kept passing slowly by.
Some were truly emotional, as they said farewell to Ariel Sharon.
Why do Israeli soldiers always look terrible in formal settings? Look at the pants those guards are wearing — couldn’t someone tailor their cuffs so that they don’t curl up over their shoes? Israel needs a West Point first captain, or something…
Interesting observation! Now I will have to go back and look over more photos, as they changed guard a few times while I was there.
@Scott – Israeli soldiers know how to fight and not fuss about looking pretty.
These are not soldiers. These are the Knesset Guard.
Scott,
I went back and checked all the photos. You are correct. All the pants look long. Maybe that is their style or one-size does-not fit-all for Knesset Guard? Great observation, you have a good eye. Thanks.
Scott,
I noticed that for Israeli army honor guards at welcome for PM Harper, all men’s pants legs were tucked into boots. Thanks, I never would have paid attention if not for your comment, so I took and posted photo to show it.
In addition to anon’s comment, just for the record, these are the Knesset Guard, not IDF soldiers.
This is one of the characteristics I like about the Israelis. They perform these public events with quiet dignity and without all the spit polish you see on display at royal events in Britain or state funerals in the United States.
Thanks for commenting Aryeh and Shy Guy, while I was out stuck in traffic today. The buses were stopped for it must have seemed like forever to the few passengers trying to get to main Jerusalem bus station after funeral.. yes the Knesset Honor Guard did the honors. Will have to find out who is in charge of this group.
I do know that the US Honor Guard that was on duty when we were at a GW Bush Chanukkah party at the White House years ago, were all volunteers, not on full time duty.
Varda That man was one of the last to go through the line. He stood there and shouted out, but I was on other side and could not hear, then he saluted and looked very distraught. That is why I said for some it was emotional.