STANDING TOGETHER
I sat beside a commuter on the light rail as we climbed the track to Ammunition Hill. Was he Jewish? No! A Palestinian activist who travels to a different country each month to march for peace. “Standing Together” – that’s what the writing means in Arabic and Hebrew. Ammunition Hill was critical in the victory for the Battle of Jerusalem in 1967. Inside the Remembrance Hall containing the photos of soldiers killed in the fight, we met two Jewish men. One, a real estate agent
THE CELL UNDER THE HOUSE OF CAIAPHAS
Buried under the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, on the slopes of Mount Zion outside the Old City, lies the House of Caiaphas. Remember him, the High Priest who issued the arrest warrant for Jesus? Deep below the house are caves and one has been converted into a cell. Archaeologists believe it’s the place where Jesus was held prisoner and whipped before being sent to Pilate. It’s likely here; Peter too was scourged for preaching, as recorded in the Book of Acts. I stood in
THE PLIGHT OF A PALESTINIAN
“Who will look after your shop Michel?” “God will look after it.” Our Palestinian friend locked the door of his beautiful antique shop near the Jaffa Gate and led us down David Street towards the Western Wall, to what was once his family home, now part of the Armenian Quarter in the Old City. The family had to flee during the 1948 war and returned to find looters had removed anything of value, including doors, water pipes and light fittings. Now refugees, they moved in and st
WHAT'S YOUR NAME?
Specialist vascular surgeon, Dr Raphael Walden asks the young Palestinian rock-throwing youth his name. Israeli soldiers had retaliated. The quick assessment by the Jewish doctor - the young Arab has lost a lot of blood. The Arab hospital on the West Bank determined his case was critical and so the expertise of Dr Walden was required urgently in Jerusalem. The doctor looks into the young man’s eyes and sees hatred. “What’s your name?” “Jihad.” The Doctor, stunned by his respo
WHY ALL THIS JOY AT THE WALL?
It’s Thursday and school holidays. Bar Mitzvah processions are coming from all directions. Shofars, clarinets, drums, herald joyous groups approaching the Western Wall where proud parents smile upon their progeny. Young men dressed in festive white, surrounded by family and friends look a little awkward as they enter the public spotlight. Blue and white balloons are released, sweet cakes consumed, speeches; more singing and dancing. A joy to behold.
BLOWN AWAY
Chris and I have just returned from hearing from a Priest who had both his hands blown off and lost his hearing and an eye through an exploding letter bomb. Fr Michael Lapsley, held the microphone with his calliper and shared his journey of standing for justice in the violent society of South African Apartheid. He walked the road to freedom with Nelson Mandela, at a cost. Professor Mohammed Dajani addressed the packed synagogue at the Hebrew Union College on the question, “Ho
MEETING A PALESTINIAN LEGEND
I saw Dr John Tleel’s book, “I am Jerusalem” for sale in Jerusalem. You can’t miss it! I sat down for a chat in the antique shop of my new friend Michel, an Arab Palestinian Christian. The shelves are lined with valuable icons, carvings and historic artefacts. A sprightly eighty-nine year old, walked through the door. “Let me introduce you to Dr Tleel.” The man is a legend, or can I say reverently, antique. He fitted the history and the ambiance of Michel’s shop perfectly. Dr
THE HOTTEST RELIGIOUS SITE IN THE WORLD
The heavy iron doors of the shopfronts on David Street are still in place as we descend to the Western Wall. It’s too early for sellers to push their wares. Security – belt off – money purse on the table and through the electronic arch. Chris’s shoulders don’t require covering as we walk across the sacred area leading to the Western Wall - her top is adequate. A left-turn is required to climb the monstrosity of the wooden covered walkway constructed by the Jews to allow Musli
THE WILDERNESS OF SIN
Expect the unexpected when you travel – especially in Israel. Mitzpe Ramon is in the Negev Desert, south of Beersheba. Here, overlooking the Wilderness of Sin, Israel’s Founding Father and first Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion is buried beside his wife. The unexpected bonus - the graduation of an artillery unit, completing their basic training. Here we witnessed young soldiers struggling up the hill carrying weights on their shoulders. Parents and comrades cheered as the exh
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