Thursday, August 9, 2018

#1 - Israel 2018 - The 'Old City'

We just finished our first full day in Israel. The day began with breakfast at 6:30, a group photo and then Mornnig Prayer in St. George's College Chapel. We had discussions about the various issues facing the 3 religious groups in Jerusalem; Muslim, Jewish and Christians.  This presentation by Iyad, a Palestinian Arab Christian, gave a much different perspective which opened the door to much discussion. After the presentation we were divided into 4 groups, given a map of the area, and sent out to find our way to the Old City where we were to make observations and ask those living there what it is live to live in their particular "quarter" within the walls; Muslim, Jewish, Armenian or  Christian.  Marcia and I were given a group to make our way to the Jewish Quarter.  We had no quide, so that we could see for ourselves how safe it is to find our way to and through the Old City.  The disitance to Damascus Gate is only about 0.5 miles, if you start of in the right direction.  Our group did. :)

Once within the City walls, we made our way through the Muslim Quarter toward the Jewish Quarter. Aside from obvious difference in attire, there was also the busy streets (more like pathways) through the City lined with merchants selling everything from fresh breads, fruits and fruit drinks, to clothing, toys and spices.  The vendors were very aggressive in trying to get you to come into their market stall  for what they claimed were, "the best prices and deals you'll find anywhere!"  The streets through Muslim Quarter were rather dirty with trash on the ground, though the smell of food and incense filled the air. We bumped our way into and through the many people making there way to and fro, with some making their way to the Western Wall and other sites, and others to work or shopping.


As we approached the Western Wall, we realize quickly we had transitioned from the Muslim Quarter to the Jewish Quarter, because the pathways cleared of merchants and debris, and we found ourselves at a security check point with a military presence and a metal detector.  The transition was uneventful, especially when compared with some of my encounters with TSA or going to a Bucs game. Hundreds of Jewish and Christian people raced through the busy area around the Wailing Wall, with an even larger Israeli Military presence.  It was hot, and many in our group were already feeling the effects of dehydration from the heat, and sore feet from the cobblestone walkways and streets.  We had been given 50 shekels each to bargain our way through lunch, and we found a great little place that could fit all 11 of us.  Down we went on a spiral staircase into a large stone room, with 3 birdcages attached to the walls (not quite what you want sitting over your dining table while you eat, but the cat running through the place made it even more interesting).
 
After lunch, spices from which I can still taste hours later, we realized that it was going to require many steps to get "up" to the rest of the Jewish Quarter.  Half of our group decided they were unable to maneuver so many steps and began their journey back to the college, while 6 of us continued on. The Jewish Quarter was obviously cleaner, the shops were nicer (many with a/c), and the merchants were persistent but not as aggressive.  The products were upscale, and the area seemed to stand in stark contrast to the other quarters.  There were excavations revealing mosaics, along with museums, and open-air cafes.

We made our way into a jewelry shop where a young lady, Aliza, not only sold one in our group some cuff links, and another a necklaces, but also proceeded to answer all of our questions.  She is married to a rabbi, has 5 children, and a mother-in-law living with them, having just moved here 3 months ago from South Africa.  She explained women's head coverings and proper dress, the difficulty of moving her children here here when they don't speak Hebrew.  She shared her joy and excitement of living in Jerusalem, and how happy she was for us on our pilgrimage here. Aliza also explained many of the symbols found throughout Jerusalem, including the Lion, which represents the tribe of Judah and is the symbol of Jerusalem.  It was an amazing conversation and we offered to keep her and her family in our prayers for their transition.

It was a long day, it was hot, and after making our way down from the Jewish Quarter, and trying to hail a cab for 20 mins, decided to walk back to the college.  We shared our stories with the entire group, ate dinner and listened to the challenges and accomplishments of the Diocese of Jerusalem, by the Archbishop of Jerusalem, The Most Rev. Bishop Saheil Dawani,

That was a general idea of today, and tomorrow we are off to Bethlehem.  Good night!
(You can find pics on Marcia's Facebook ... having wifi issues getting them downloaded here tonight)

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