The Old City of Jerusalem draws people
from throughout the world with a magnetic attraction.
The Tower of David Museum tells the history of this
city in Israel from within the restored remains of King Herod’s 2,000 year old
Citadel. For many centuries this Citadel, built atop Mount Zion ridge, guarded
the main western entrance to the walled-city. As the city was conquered and
reconquered fortifications were built and rebuilt on that same site.
Today, one can walk in the museum’s archeological gardens and see the ruins left behind by the many conquerors of Jerusalem. The Romans, Greeks, Crusaders, Moslems, Turks, Canaanites, Hebrews and Israelis all left their mark on this city. Here, one can see how the city became so important to three major religious traditions, each sharing some of their history and origin within the walls of the Old City. The Citadel towers afford a panoramic view of the historic part of Jerusalem.
While I knew that each religion revered Jerusalem as one of the most holy places on earth, I did not realize, until I actually walked the streets of the Old City, how closely entwined these holy sites really are. The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, is the only existing wall of the Second Temple. It is considered to be their most holy place by Jews throughout the world. A visit to The Wall brings forth some understanding of the great depth of feeling inspired by it. A steady throng of people come to pray, facing this massive stone wall, many leaving behind missives stuck into the cracks between the stones. Visitors cannot help but feel the power of this holy site. One sees people of many faiths joining the Jewish faithful at The Wall.
A ramp, seen in the bottom right of the picture, leading from the same courtyard takes people over the wall and into the courtyard of the two great Moslem mosques,, the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the golden Dome of the Rock, with its beautiful blue, mosaic walls. The Moslems believe it was from this rock Mohammed left his earthly existence for a heavenly one. It is the third most holy site in the Muslim faith.
There is a spot on the surface of the mound of rock, worn smooth by time, where an indent can be felt. This is believed to be a footprint left behind by Mohammed when he made his leap into space. Again one feels the power of this holy site.
Scholars have meticulously studied historical records and traditions making comparisons with archeological findings to try to establish the probable locations of various historical or religious events. Sometimes several places may fit the known facts, creating controversy between those who follow different theories.
Herod’s palace, below the present Citadel, may have been where Jesus was tried and sentenced to death. From this spot, He would have begun His walk to His crucifixion. The Via Dolorosa, the route He probably followed, wends its way through the Old City to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where the crucifixion is believed to have taken place. Groups of devout Christians can often be seen retracing those steps. The Tomb of King David, who united the children of Israel, is in a room beneath the room thought to be the site of The Last Supper.
In this old city one gets a concept of what the twenty-first century really means. In Israel one finds a continuum of time, which in our western world, we only began counting with the birth of Christ, 2,000 years ago. Israel’s history goes back thousands of years before that date. Religious traditions were so strong they radiated from this source throughout the world. Today the fascination of Jerusalem draws people from all over the globe.
The modern city that surrounds the Old City offers all the amenities one would expect in any large modern city. I stayed in two world-class hotels, The King David Hotel and the former Jerusalem Hilton Hotel now known as the David Citadel Hotel, both within a few short blocks of the Old City. However a wide range of other accommodation is available, and budget accommodation can be found at religious hostels.
As security is a feature Israel works hard to maintain, walking about Jerusalem’s streets felt quite safe to me.
People throughout the world are praying for peace in the Middle East. The world hopes an attitude of peaceful co-operation between the Israelis and their neighbours will foster more stability throughout the Middle East and maintain a more secure atmosphere for those who live there and also the people who love to come visit the roots of civilization.
Article and pictures by M. Maxine George
Websites to assist those planning a visit to Israel are:
Israel Tourism: www.infotour.co.il El Al Airlines: www.elal.co.il.
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Last Updated on December 11, 2008 by M. Maxine George editor.
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