I cannot believe that we are already 5 days into this dual narrative pilgrimage to Israel/Palestine. The days have been so full but the time has passed so quickly.
After our orientation on Monday evening, we readied ourselves for an early morning check out and a long day of exploring Tel Aviv, the historic port town of Jaffa--learning of its strategic significance for centuries. Its beautiful beachfront is guarded by Andromeda’s Rock, a breakwater that prevented direct landing access to the port. We had a chance to walk through the market area, get some fresh squeezed juice to quench our thirst, and head to S’derot that borders the Gaza Strip. We stood beneath the telecommunications and observation towers and watched the construction of another fortification wall across the field. Construction dust created a smoke-like haze with its own sense of menace. From there we drove a short distance to a secure indoor play area that is also a bomb shelter. It called to mind the Good Times Park facility that my Minnesota grandchildren so enjoy on days too cold or rainy to play outside. That it is not an option conditioned by weather in S’derot struck me as I looked at the play areas and toys surrounded by secure rooms with doors that can be sealed shut in the event of an attack. We had the privilege of meeting with Regional Manager Amit and alums from Hands of Peace. They told us some of their stories, responded to questions, and their courage and ability to articulate the impact of their HOP experience was inspiring. We headed at last to our Jerusalem hotel with a stop for dinner first.
Next morning was an early start as we boarded the bus and headed for the Temple Mount. Blessed by ideal weather and not long lines to get in, we gathered to hear the stories of the place sacred to the three monotheistic religions. Standing next to the Al Aqsa Mosque across the plaza from the Dome of the Rock we heard the history of the site and its significance. Though the lines to get in were not too bad, the crowds in the city were crushing. We walked all around the great golden domed blue mosaic mosque, saw the Mount of Olives across the way, observed the place on the great rock that is said to be where Abraham brought Isaac to be sacrificed, then walked to the other holy places--the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Western Wall where many of us placed prayer notes into cracks on the wall. After dispersing for lunch in small groups, we met again to visit the market area and the surrounding neighborhoods. While at the market, there was what first appeared to be a demonstration but turned out to be an announced appearance of the Prime Minister with one of the mayoral candidates. Several in our group were close enough to brush by him and get a great close up picture.
We returned for dinner at the hotel and then a short walk to hear from the invited speaker for the evening, Gil Hoffman, chief political corresponded from the Jerusalem Post. He was an engaging speaker willing to interact to some extent with the audience. A Northwestern grad and a Cubs fan earned him some points from some of us.
After Hoffman’s presentation, we moved the chairs into a circle and entered into our first dialogue session. We quickly learned how challenging this kind of session can be and were blessed to be guided by our facilitator, Raanan, who has worked with the Hands and knows what he is doing. And thus ended the second full day of our time together.
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