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Jerusalem is holy to three religions and home to many communities. Though called "Ir Shalem" - "The City of Peace" - she has often seen strife between her people. This week's tours reflect that diversity and touch on times when all has not been peaceful here. On Monday December 27th tour the Via Dolorosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Via Dolorosa marks Jesus' journey carrying the cross from his trial and condemnation by Pontius Pilate to his crucifiction at Golgotha. For pilgrims it is a spiritual journey but from as early as the 4th Century Christians have also followed a physical "Way of the Cross" through Jerusalem. Over the centuries the route has varied but became settled in the 18th Century. The tour follows the stations along the route to Jesus' tomb in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Meet at 1.30 pm just inside the Dung Gate. (Bus lines 1, 2, 3, 38) Please wear modest clothing for this tour. The tour on Wednesday December 29th follows the drama of The Battle for the Jewish Quarter 1948 and 1967. In the 1948 War of Independence the Jewish Quarter of the Old City was under siege. Despite the valiant fight of its defenders it fell to the Arab Legion just two weeks after the establishment of the State of Israel. The fighters were taken into captivity and the rest of the residents expelled. For 19 years until its recapture by Israeli troops in the Six Day War in 1967 Jews did not set foot in the Old City. This tour is about exile and return. Meet at 9.30 am just outside the Zion Gate. Please wear modest clothing for this tour. Please wear comfortable shoes and bring hats and water for these tours. Each of them lasts 2-3 hours and costs NIS 60 per person plus site entrance fees. There are site fees of NIS10 on Wednesday's tour. Please register in advance 054-647-8955 or tourwithjack@gmail.com . Coming up in the following week: On Monday January 3rd at 1.30 p.m. Breaking Out of the Walls of the Old City - from Montefiore to Rav Kook. |
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