Journey Through Jerusalem

From Tel Aviv we made our way to Jerusalem; the eternal city, the holy city, the golden city.

Right from the beginning, I just want to mention that we felt safe at all times. There were soldiers patrolling all areas of the city, but there was no feelings of tension at any time. As we all know, the media tries to spin things in order to sell, but it’s sad to see that the tourists are staying away when things are calm.

Of course we wanted to learn as much as we could about the city that means so much to so many people. Earlier last year, we went to see the Imax movie Jerusalem at the Toronto Science Centre so that we could learn more about it and make our visit a rich one. The movie focuses on 3 teenage girls who each come from a different part of the same city (Muslim, Jewish and Christian). They share their perspective of Jerusalem.  The idea was to focus on the similarities of their lives despite their heritage, as the media always seems to focus more on the differences.  It is also hoped the movie would generate ideas on how to bring peace to this area.  Here is the trailer for the movie.

Mikhaila and Zoe even made a video about bringing peace to Jerusalem and entered a contest, (they lost to a 6 year old – but he was adorable!).

We decided to take a number of tours through our usual free tour company – Sandeman’s and they didn’t disappoint. We signed up for a Jerusalem overview, the Mount of Olives, and the Holy City tour. They were all amazing and you can read about them in the next few blog postings.

Our overview tour began outside of the Jaffa gate where we learned about the extensive timeline of the city. Our tour guide was great and gave us all a “cheatsheet” of which empire controlled the city throughout the ages. It is unbelievable how many times it has changed hands!

The Tower of David was especially powerful in demonstrating which empire/group was in control. The layers of rock and the technology used to build it directly related to the different empires. For example, there was dry construction techniques used during one era as well as larger rocks with mortar from another. This is how archaeologists have been able to determine which group was responsible for the difference sections of the palace.

Inside the Tower of David

Tower of David

Former prison inside the Tower of David

One evening, we went back to the Tower of David to watch the Light Spectacular. It was a 3 D sound and light show that told the story of Jerusalem over the past thousands of years. It was a great place to watch such a presentation and the effects of the lights on the rocks was really amazing. We even had the chance to walk the ramparts around the old city – the views were spectacular!

The Night Spectacular

View from the ramparts

View from the ramparts

View from the ramparts

View from the ramparts

What was interesting for us is that back in Rome, we found the Arch of Titan with the picture of the menorah being taken from the Temple back to Rome. In David’s Museum, they also have a display about how the Romans took the menorah. The girls had a better understanding when the saw the same pictures and images – just told from different perspectives.

The ancient temple the Romans took over in 71.

The image of the Romans taking the Menorah from the Temple

A replica of the menorah from the 2nd temple

At one point, when the Romans had control of the city, they built what they called the “Cardo”, or the heart of the city. It is still there today and the ruins can be seen and walked through. As the girls have seen the Roman Empire in action throughout Europe, it was no surprise to also see them in this city.

The Cardo – or the Heart of the Roman Empire

Picture of what is thought the Cardo looked like when the Romans controlled Jerusalem.

We then went through the 4 different quarters of the old city: The Armenian, The Jewish, The Muslim and the Christian. All of the areas had their own characteristics and very distinctive buildings. It was very interesting to see the contrast of the different sections.

The Armenian quarter seemed to be quite private…not a lot happening outside of the monastery and their religious buildings.

The Jewish section was bustling as people were visiting the Hurva (Ruined) Synagogue and the Western Wall. This part of the wall is the only part of the retaining wall left from the second temple. Jewish people go there to pray and leave notes for God.

The Western Wall

The Hurva Synagogue

The Muslim area was busy with vendors trying their hardest to sell you the latest souvenir or shwarmaa, (delicious).

Muslim Quarter

Muslim Quarter

Of course one of the dominant buildings of the Jerusalem skyline is the Dome of the Rock, one of the main symbols of the Muslim religion. It is their belief that Mohammed ascended into Heaven from this location. One of the major problems between the religious groups is that the Dome of the Rock is built upon the Foundation rock for the Jewish people.  They believe it is the rock where Abraham nearly sacrificed his son to God.  This is one of the major reasons why the two groups are in conflict – both want to have this location for their own.

The Christian area focused on the Church of the Holy Sepulcher which is the church built above the tomb of Jesus.  The vendors around it sold everything related to the church and Jesus.

Church of the Holy Seplechur

Church of the Holy Seplechur

We are ready to learn as much as we can about this amazing city…the history is just incredible! Stay tuned for more details as we uncover and discover the secrets of Jerusalem!