Even though we arrived via the airport at Tel Aviv yesterday (so was technically our first day), today FEELS like the first day of being here. As expected, jet lag is rearing its tired head.
But, we began the morning as a large group (we're all here -- all 26 of us) and did a mini-walking tour of the area around our hotel and this side of the Old City of Jerusalem (part of what is called East Jerusalem -- the Palestinian side). We split into smaller groups to continue wandering, touring, or going back for naps. Three of us -- myself, Kathy (the other Ecumenical Accompanier (EA) from the US) and Manon (a woman from Germany) -- decided to stay in the Old City and try our hand at interpreting the map from the Tourist Office (not particularly detailed!). I'm happy to report that my map reading skills and sense of direction are as sharp as ever, despite my jet lag.
We found the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and a very good restaurant. Then we met up with a former EA who happens to be in town and wandered our way into the Moslem Quarter of the Old City, down part of Via Dolorosa and then to the Western Wall.
There are many, many soldiers and police around everywhere in the Old City, including some on horseback. When we first came into the Old City (about 11am), there was hardly anyone around. Some shops were open, but there were no customers. It was a bit eerie. After lunch, we started to see more people including many, many tourists from around the world.
We learned that the reason for the dearth of people and the large number of police and security forces was that four days ago a new synagogue opened very close to Haram al-Sharif (also known as Temple Mount). For that day and the next three, the entire Old City was closed to anyone who wasn't Jewish (particularly Orthodox) or who didn't live in the Old City. So, no tourists; no visitors; and definitely no Palestinians.
Now, I think it might be time for a nap.
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We are praying for your safety, boy did you pick a good time to show up!
ReplyDeleteHuh. Weird that there you were wandering around, when shortly before you wouldn't have been allowed. No *wonder* there was no one much around!
ReplyDeleteDo you remember being in Seoul, Korea, and all the soldiers there? I thought it was spooky, hearing them jog past with all their boots and all their gear clanking.
To me, "Via Dolorosa" is the Allemande of the Bach D Minor Partita. (That's my personal way I think about that piece, I mean.) To you, it is a real place where you have walked.
Just to think, you'll be in the Holy City for Easter...I'm praying to your safety, and the others as well...
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