Continuing to Explore Jerusalem

The MBIers set off today to continue their exploration of holy and magical city of Jerusalem. In the morning the MBIers spent their time at the City of David which is a sort of archaeological park to walk around and see the history of the city's creation. The MBIers got to walk around and see ruins from the first city of Jerusalem which is pretty incredible to take in the magnitude of that location. They also got to walk through a sort of aqueduct that is a long tunnel that still has water running through and the MBIers had to walk through the water to get out. It was definitely a refreshing walk through history that has existed for over a thousand years. These are just some the incredible and unique experiences through history that being in Israel allows the MBIers to experience.

For lunch the MBIers had what apparently was a treat of Bagel bites type pizzas and was a welcome lunch on the go in Jerusalem. After lunch the MBIers had another special treat which was to have a guided tour though the Kotel Tunnels. The Kotel Tunnels are truly amazing as while the Kotel itself is most famous, most of the wall exists below in the tunnels. During this guided time the MBIers learned more about its creation and the Temples creation and destruction. They also got to see one of the largest stones in the World that is part of the foundation of the Kotel. It is of great speculation how it got there given the technologies(or lack thereof) that existed at the time. Overall being in the tunnels is definitely an awe-inspiring experience.

Having been down in the Kotel Tunnels, it of course was fitting for the MBIers to proceed to have sometime above ground at the Kotel itself. There the MBIers had sometime to take in this special location and feel the special energy that surrounds the area. They all had an opportunity to write notes and place them in the wall as well as find their own ways to take in the meaning of the place. It was a special afternoon that will certainly leave a positive memory for the MBIers.

The MBIers also got to continue to spend sometime in Old City as they went to the Hurva Synagogue which is another historic place. The Synagogue had existed for several hundred years, prior to the Independence War when it was destroyed by the Jordanians. Currently it is being rebuilt, and is actually near completition so the MBIers got to take an early look at what it looks like now and what to expect upon its completion. They of course learned about its history as it relates to Jerusalem and continued their day of seeing and experiencing first-hand some incredible parts of Jewish and Israeli history.

After a busy day the MBIers returned to Ben Shemen for the evening to have an activity with their bus and catch up with their friends. Tomorrow will be a meaningful day that will conclude with some fun. In the morning they will visit Har Herzl and Yad Vashem to learn and be reminded about the pain of our past that has led to the place we are today. In evening they will head down to Mamshit in the desert to stay at a Bedouin tent and take in some Bedouin hospitality. Phew! I almost tired from writing all that!