We spent the morning today at the Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem. The title is a quote I saw really made an impression – and it felt like that – a silent scream of agony arising from the testimonies and artefacts of this despicable time.
Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial
I’ve been to the Holocaust Memorial in Washington while in High School so knew how emotionally draining this would be. The memorial is set up so you walk through the history as things get progressively worse for the Jews. Probably the parts that hit me the most were the quotes from those involved. They have recovered diaries of people killed who wrote such heart-rending entries just before they were taken away.
I was also reminded of the Edmund Burke's quote – “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”
Another moving part is the Children’s Memorial. It’s a large room filled with mirrors and candles with a lady’s voice reciting the names and ages of children that were killed. Such a terrible part of earth’s history. We weren’t allowed to take photos and I’m glad. One thing I’m finding is that when a camera is in my hand I’m more interested in the next photo – rather than fully experiencing what is in front of me. Such a strange paradox – Fully experience it now without distractions or take photos and be able to experience it later...
Mount of Olives
After this moving start to the day we headed up the Mount of Olives. It’s just so weird saying that – places previously only imagined when hearing Bible stories can be experienced and remembered.
[View from Mount towards the Old City – Golden Dome of the Rock in background]
Drive to Old Jerusalem
This part shouldn’t get its own mention but I was certainly silently screaming when we were stuck in traffic. The roads are terrible in Old Jerusalem. We headed through Gethsemane which was lucky to be wide enough for one car – but had two way traffic. Got stuck there for about 20 minutes with much Hebrew and Arabic being yelled between everyone. Our air conditioner on the bus wasn’t working and we had a couple of vocal Americans who weren’t impressed. I kept my silence but it was uncomfortable with the heat. We finally found a park and headed into the old city. There was so much that was shown – and I got a bit sick of our guides lectures so I might have missed some important information.
Church of the Holy Sepulcher
This is a massive church that supposedly (there’s claims and counter-claims everywhere in Jerusalem) houses the location where Jesus was crucified, cleansed and then laid to rest. Some of the art is amazing and cameras were allowed to be used. I think that might have ruined it a bit and there were tons of people. A lot of Christians were lining up for ages to touch certain holy sites which you can see in the next photo.
[The location claimed to be where Jesus was crucified]
Via Dolorosa
This is the path Christ took on his way to his crucifixion. I didn’t know the full story – but there are 10 (I think) stations where something significant happened. Most aren’t mentioned in the Bible but the one that was I’ve uploaded. This street (let’s be honest – it’s an alleyway) has got market shops on each side now and pretty steep.
[Station 5 of the Via Dolorosa – where Jesus fell and Simon took up the cross]
Muslim Quarter
After lunch we headed to the Muslim Quarter. We didn’t spend long here because non-muslims can’t get to the Dome on the Rock mosque which was in the background of the previous vista. Need to research this up – seems a bit unfair. We got as close as we could but here in the Middle East you don’t argue with people who have guns.
Western Wall
Our final stop for the day was the Western Wall. We arrived here Friday afternoon and were able to use our cameras. Again I’d like to research exactly what they’re praying/chanting but it shows a dedication to their beliefs. Men and women are separated and after talking to Mum, it sounds like the men are well set up. We were inside, with libraries of their scriptures – while women are outside.
One interesting thing happened as I walked in – myself and another young Australian guy were asked if we Jewish. I said no and then they asked me if my mother was Jewish. I’d love to know why we were selected to be asked and not the older Americans with us. I was dressed as a tourist (with camera, water bottle etc...) and it was just an interesting interaction without answers.
[Male Jews praying at the Western Wall]
Tonight is Friday night and from our hotel, Jerusalem looks deserted. We’re on a main road and its very quiet – all the shops are completely shut (we went for a walk) and it's very serene.
So that ended our adventures in Jerusalem – I reckon I could come back to Israel because there was so much we missed and some places we moved too quickly through. However this trip waits for no man and it’s off to Jordan tomorrow. Going to be a long day of travelling. Heard the news about the Ash affecting Europe – hopefully gone by next Wednesday or could be interesting times ahead. A lot of our group today are flying home tonight or tomorrow with some going to be affected. What a mess!
Week Ahead
Sat, 17th of April Transfer via Allenby Bridge to Jordan
Sun, 18th of April Petra
Mon, 19th of April To Amman via Wadi Rum
Tues, 20th of April Amman and Jerash, then fly to Cairo
Wed, 21st of April Farewell Mum and head to London
Thurs, 22nd of April Leave London for Paris
Fri, 23rd of April Day in Paris
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