Whichever route you take to visit Jerusalemyou must drive up a Mountain to arrive there. In Hebrew this is ’making aliya’, (rising up). It has been a City before King David ruled it. It became a Jewish City in 1000 B.C.E. and Jewish people have lived here ever since. It is the Capital City of the State of Israel.
The Old City, looks like a castle to me. It was built in the 16th Century A.D. There are four ’quarters’ within the Old City: The Russian Orthodox, The Roman Catholic, The Armenian and the Jewish areas. Each has shops, cafes and religious places. At an Archeological site overlooking the Kidron and Hinnom Valleys. You can visit the City of David, (the capital of ancient Israel). Remnants of Roman market stalls are still visible in the Old City. Prophets and martyrs are buried in the Kidron Valley. Pilgrims follow in the footsteps of Jesus on the Via Dolorosa, visit the beautiful Muslem’s Dome of the Rock, (this is right about the Western Wall.
The Westen Wallis in the old city of Jerusalem, (in Hebrew as Kotel Hama’aravi), in the Jewish Quarter. The quickest way to reach it is from the Dung Gate. It is a remnant of the ancient Temple’s retaining wall in Jerusalem. This sacred place is also known as the Western Wall, the Wailing Wall, or the Wall of Lamentation. Synagogue. The wall is divided into separate areas of worship for Men and Women. It is the site of many Religious and National celebrations. Many pilgrims of all faiths come to touch the cool stones and say a prayer, (you are suppose to leave a small note with the name of the person you prayed for), in a crack between the stones. The Kotel is an active synagogue and ’modest’’ dress is recommended for visitors.
Yad Vashemare the buildings and parks to remember all of the people who died in the Holocaust during WWII, (5 million were Jewish and 6 million were non-Jews). It was built on 45 acres on Mt. Herzl. When you visit here your Guide will make a clear distinction between the Nazi’s and the German People. Yad Vashem consists of many elements and each designed with a specific purpose in mind. There is a depository, 3 exhibition halls, a library, the resource center and many gardens and monuments. Yad Vashem includes a series of moving exhibits and monuments: The Hall of Remembrance has an eternal flame, the Hall of Names, (which has memorials to individual victims), the Children’s Memorial, the Pillar of Heroism, (commemorates the heroes of those fought back). Both the Garden of the Righteous and the Avenue of the Righteous that honors Righteous Gentiles, (who risked their own safety to help the helpless), and the Valley of Communities, (created in memory of a lost way of life for European Jews). You might think this is to terrible place for you to visit. It is hard to experience but if we do not remember the terrible things that people do to other people then they will continue to happen again and again.
The Israeli Military Cemetery is the Memorial to the Soldiers who died while they defended Israel.
In the newer part of the Jewish areas is called West Jerusalem. The places to visit are the downtown square on Ben Yeshiva, the German Colony, the Russian Compound, and the Christian Embassy, (they hold prayer services every night).
Mea Shearimis in the oldest area of the new city, (the ultra Orthodox Jewish area so please dress modestly. Both Men and Women must have their heads covered). In this area there are wonderful pastry shops and a Turkish Steam Bath. Women and Men go on different days so you will have to check with them to see when you can go. If you can work it into your Travel plans I hope you will try a bath it was wonderful.
The Knessetis the Parliament Building and you are allowed to take a tour of it.
East Jerusalemis predominantly Arab Palestinians, (Jews and Arabs live on both sides of the City). There are wonderful cafes and coffeehouses, (I love strong Turkish coffee). I rode my first, (and last), camel here. No one told me that after I bargained a price for the ride and had a 15 minute slow walk around I would have to pay to be helped off the camel. I just jumped down! You could here the camel’s driver screaming at me for blocks.
Between the West Jerusalem and the Old City is an underground Mall. They have Shops that sell mostly high priced Jewish Religious Items.
The best part of being in Jerusalem is to explore it yourself. You will find old small streets that lead you on a journey of older Shops and Cafes.
Some Thoughts
I have visited many Cities around the World but none can compare with Jerusalem. It is not because I am Jewish it is because when you are there you are there you know you are standing at the crossroad s of the World.
I could not tell you everything there is to see and do so please visit their web site at:
https://insite.co.il/tour/jer/jer.htm
©LL