Jerusalem Part 2

We had an amazing week last week in the holy city of J’town!!!

After a wonderful Shabbat in Kibbutz Ketura, we returned to the capital of Israel, Jerusalem. On Monday, we kicked the week off with an amazing and interesting tour of the Kottel tunnels, where we walked under the Muslim Quarter of the Old City, exploring excavations and seeing artifacts of Jerusalem of old.  This was followed by a tour of the Christian and Muslim Quarters including a visit to the Shuk and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

On Tuesday, we got to do or first slot of
volunteering with Chazon Yeshaya, a soup kitchen in Jerusalem. It was a great experience to cook and serve food to those in need and we also made some Scandinavian friends also volunteering there! Then we all trooped to Machane Yehuda for lunch, before heading down to the Menachem Begin centre. We had an interactive tour of Begin’s life, which was quite fascinating. Once we got back to our accommodation, we were treated to an expert analysis of the political situation in Israel thanks to Kol Voice.

On Wednesday, we began the day walking in sunshine only for it to hail on us during our walk to the Knesset. We eventually arrived safely and intact before getting a guided tour though the parliament. Only the day before, the 19^th Knesset was sworn in and the clean-up was taking still taking place and a few politicians were spotted as well.

Following that, we walked across to the High Court of Israel where we walked through the stunning building, and were given some insights into the architecture of the place. To finish, we sat in on a trial in the main court room. No one understood a thing.

To finish off this jam packed day, we took the light rail to Yad Sarah, an organisation that provides medical equipment loans to those who need. We had a tour of their amazing facilities and helped out by cleaning some wheelchairs at the end.    

On Thursday, we did a tour of Jerusalem’s borders over the year and heard interesting and funny stories about the Israel – Jordan border between 1948 – 1967. WE also had a glimpse at the security fence and discussed its impact and what it means. Then we headed off to Malcha Mall for lunch and some shopping. That night we celebrated the Jarreds birthday by going bowling in Talpiyot and it can be safely said that he had a ball J

On Friday we did an amazing race around Nachlot neighbourhood and the shuk. Everyone met some interesting characters and learned some cool facts about the area. After some final preparations for Shabbat, we walked to the Kottel for davening which can only be described as absolutely incredible. It was a beautiful night and the Kottel was packed with people, all singing and davening in a really wonderful atmosphere. We all felt part of something special and it was certainly an eye opener for many. We walked back to the hostel for a very enjoyable Friday night meal followed by fun Friday night activities. 

 On Shabbat day we chilled and played some ultimate Frisbee before having one final night in Jerusalem before heading off to Tel Aviv for a month. The time we spent in Jerusalem was enjoyed by all and was a great way to start the program.

We now eagerly look forward to Tel Aviv and Wingate!