Inside the Walls

The year was 1973 and the fledgling nation of Israel once again faced threat of annihilation by its Arab neighbours. Another war and another slim victory occasioned a national holiday. We know it as Yom Kippur. 6 short years later a threesome of college students found themselves on the same soil, seeking adventure and eretz Israel with the hope of context for a newfound faith in Christ. The land was rubble and sand and brush and uniformed kids stood on every corner with a machine gun slung over a shoulder. Military presence was serious business and in the dry air hung a palpable tension.

It is 2012 and another 33 years of nationhood (at least this time around) makes Israel feel, to this grandmother, like it’s grown up too. Wealth is evident and there is a sense of establishment among the people and the structure of things. Systems are in place and it feels a whole lot safer than my initial visit here all those years ago.

The Old City is familiar with its bazaar-type atmosphere, the Wailing Wall is now encircled by other walls for viewing as well as for security, and traffic within the city walls is severely limited. The falafel carts are no more, beggars look as if they have access to health care, and most women cover up. We hear the call to prayer from the Arab Quarter and step aside as a handful of black clad rabbis go to temple.

It is the close of our first day in this ancient city, our feet are hot and tired after 7 hours of exploring and we feel deeply grateful.

Shalom