May 13, 2017
I
viewed the Western Wall for the first time today. Men were on the left
side and women on the right. There seemed to be
more woman, but they visited the wall for less time. Some of the women
walked backwards when exiting the prayer area with their faces facing the wall. I was able to take
several pictures before a woman told me that pictures were not allowed. She was also telling
women to cover up, please do not take pictures, saying Shabbat, Shabbat. One of the pictures below is of a clock on the north wall near the Western Wall. At first I thought it contained pictures of the zodiac, but later realized they are Jewish in nature.
While
walking along the streets of Old and New Jerusalem, I made a few
observations. I find that some of the
people I greet are friendly, but not all. I also find that some
of the Jews that are dressed in traditional black religious clothing have not
been friendly. If I walk by them and
look to greet, they walk by and do not even acknowledge you. Some even walk by
with that big city glazed look.
I
entered Herod's Palace. A security officer
asked to check my bag. After finishing he
said Peace, to which I responded thank you, peace shalom. I then took a picture
of a sign with words from Haggai 2:9. “In this place, I will give peace.”
I
talked with an Arab man who was a Muslim near the Tower of David. We had a lengthy
conversation. He referred to Jews
as settlers. He believed that the
Jews were going to tear down the Al-Aqua Masque in order to build a new temple. He also denied that
there ever was a First Temple in Jerusalem (Solomon’s Temple). “They are mistaken,” he said. “They are settlers. The Arabs have been
here; they are settlers.”
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| Women praying at the Western Wall |
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| Clock near the Western Wall |
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| Security guard who searched my bag and greeted me with the words, "Peace." |
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| Sign hanging on the wall behind the security guard |
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