Our beautiful home for the rest of our stay: the Notre Dame Jerusalem Center.
A luxurious extra hour of sleep gave us renewed energy for some lessons from history today. We traveled to Yad Vashem, the official Holocaust museum of Israel, and were moved to the core with the story that we thought we knew, but got to know more deeply and personally. Our reflection time was held afterwards in the grove of the "Trees of Righteousness," planted in honor of those who had helped the Jewish people during the horror of Nazi rule. It just so happened we stopped by benches near a tree planted for Cornelia Blaauw of Holland.
Sharing thoughts among the Trees of Righteousness.
Our nearest tree honored a brave Dutch woman.
Some in our group have personal experiences of World War II, from family or friends. We noted—with some tears—that while that evil has stopped, the ramifications linger on to this day, within Israel and worldwide.
As we drove through the city, we saw American and Israeli flags interspersed on the light poles of major streets, anticipating President Obama's visit later this week. "America and Israel: An Unbroken Alliance," many signs proclaimed.
Next, we went to the Israel Museum, where we could see a large, intricately designed model of the city of Jerusalem so we could understand where buildings and gates were situated. Pastor Bill took care to show us where key biblical moments might have occurred, noting that there is always debate on most "exact spots." What a unique and amazing place, so loved and so contested!
Pastor Bill points out key places in Jerusalem at the large scale model of the city.
We saw the striking outer design of the Shrine of the Book, with one black wall facing a pure white swooping dome structure with water continuously pouring over. Inside, we were enthralled with the story of the Qumran society and the Dead Sea Scrolls. (One of our 2013 recipients of Calvin's Distinguished Alumni Award is James Vander Kam '64, one of the most respected scholars on the Scrolls in the world.)
The Dead Sea Scrolls are celebrated under this edifice, the Shrine of the Book.
Elsewhere in the sprawling museum complex was a special exhibit on Herod the Great, featuring his building projects (many of which we saw earlier in our travels) and his recently discovered tomb. It was so fortunate that we were in the country during the run of this exhibit—shown as a sort of memorial to Ehud Nizer, the great Israeli archeologist who died at the excavation site soon after the tomb discovery. While a great builder, Herod was a very evil man; even Caesar Augustus said of him, "It would be better to be a pig owned by Herod than to be one of his family members."
Entering the Herod the Great exhibit at the Israel Museum.
After we got back to the Notre Dame house, we had a few hours of free time to roam the Old City, which is just across the street from our hotel. Once inside the New Gate, one is transported back in time to narrow, stone walkways and small shops and living quarters built one on top of the other. Yet even the Old City is not immune from commercialism, as numerous places sported Western-influenced t-shirts and other kitschy gear. One college-themed shop was selling pennants and yes, there was one from Calvin College! We had an enjoyable time taking in the sights, sounds and smells of old Jerusalem.
Into the Old City we go!
Yes, even at Ali Baba's in the Old City: a Calvin pennant for sale!
Loni Van Denend makes a fabric purchase.
For dinner, we walked back into the Old City to dine at the Melia Center, a non-profit run by the Arab Orthodox Society to assist Palestinian Christian women. The center is housed in a beautiful building overlooking Hezekiah's Pool and it serves as museum, educational and training center and, of late, part-time restaurant. We had a delicious Palestinian meal and tour of the facility, including the new rooftop cafe expansion. A worthy ministry.
Dinner at the Melia Center.
We have all been touched by the mystery and magic of Jerusalem and look forward to more adventures this week, especially the important sites of Lent and the Resurrection.
~ Mike Van Denend
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