Israel Trip 2006, Day 8 (2/27)

Monday was our final day in Jerusalem! We began a little leisurely this morning getting a late 9:15am start. Most days we have been up and out of our hotels at 8am. No rest for these busy travelers.

We visited the brand new Manachem Begin Museum around the corner from our hotel. Whether you agreed with Begin's politics or not, he lived a life of dedication to the Jewish People and the Land of Israel. From Poland to a Soviet Jail to Pre-state Israel to Prime Minister, Begin would bring peace between Egypt and Israel, receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for it.

Onward to a visit at the Israel Museum. We viewed the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls found at Qumran in 1947 by the Bedouins. These are the oldest manuscripts of the Bible and other sacred literature dating back over 2000 years. We had time (although brief) to view the other parts of the museum from archaeology to an exhibit of Peruvian art! Then we took a tour of the Security Barrier trying to understand why Israel's security demands it. But also seeing the plight of the Palestinians and how it affects their everyday life. There are no easy solutions here. It will take real courage and leadership to make peaceful headway.

We toured from Gilo to Bethelehem through Arab/Palestinian neighborhoods and Jewish ones. We ended up past Mt. Scopus and Hebrew University and the Mt. of Olives - again between Jewish and Palestinian neighborhoods.

Our day ended with some free time for last minute gifts and dinner. Some of us went back to the Old City for a last goodbye to the Kotel. Others went to Ben Yehoda Street and the lively downtown pedestrian mall filled with tourists from around the world.

Perhaps that is the most amazing part of this sacred city. We have seen people from around the world here in Jerusalem - groups from China, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Germany, England, Nigeria. Families from New Jersey, Australia, Florida, Holland. Pilgrims from Columbia, Argentina, India, and France. The diversity of languages and faiths is astounding. It will be sad not to look out the window and see the ancient walls of the Holy City of Jerusalem. But we have learned to pray for its peace and peace for all of its peoples.

Shalom,
Rabbi Eger

Posted by Lee at February 27, 2006 02:56 PM