A Legendary Day in the Old City

The day started with the best bus pilot in Israel, Misha, who attempted and suceeded the impossible. A 100 yard reversal through the six foot wide Caesar Hotel driveway into Jerusalem morning rush hour. Great job Misha, nailed it.

We continued our journey to the Holocaust mueseum Yad Vashem. The tour through the museum was incredibly moving and historical, focusing on the facts of the worst atrocities bestowed upon the Jewish people. We concluded the three hour tour with a discussion and recap of what we brought out from the tour.

After Yad Vashem we made a quick stop for lunch, more schwarma, we continued to the Old City. Before entering the city, we passed through King David's tomb and how the city was built layer upon layer. In what felt like a renactment of Aladdin, we twisted and turned through Jerusalems narrow alleys, finally entering the Old City. We arrived at the Cardo and Tzach provided a fantastic historical breakdown of our peoples history within this exact location. Walking past the Cardo, we were able to see the oldest floor found in the city, believed to be 4,000 years old.

After, we shopped a little at the various boutiques at the Cardo. Finally our long walks through the rooftops of Jerusalem, we reached our pinnacle, The Western Wall. The Wall, which is part of the second temple, was built by the highly controversial, King Herrod. The mystical structure triggered incredible emotion for many group members. We also were there at the same time as 40 US congressmen, including one from Illinois. It was a wonderful day of rememberence, connecting to the past and visions of the future.

Photo credit: @_scarps_ (header), @danielmck_