Professor Hazan gave us an overview of political situation in Israel. He contrasted the US and Israeli system. Israeli politics, he explained, are not about pocketbook issues but only about security. Voting in US is "winner take all" - which encourages voting with your head.In Israel representation is proportional. The US votes for people, Israel votes for parties. All this encourages voting with your heart. This is "Maximum representation;" the power you have in society is exactly reflected in parliament. He then gave us a rapid analysis of Israeli political parties and their positions. Finally, he demonstrated how this recent election shows a new realignment of political power and priorities, a new focus on domestic rather than security issues. It was a perfect follow-up to yesterday's "Geopolitics of Jerusalem" tour.
Afterwards we rode the bus around the walls of the Old City until we came to the City of David, the original Jerusalem. Now situation next to the Arab section of Silwan, the city of David has become an important archeological site. We followed the underground Warren's tunnel with discussions of how water was brought into the city walls from the spring of Gidon.
The tunnel led to the remnants of the pool of Shiloah (Hebrew version of Silwan) where the water available for all in the city. We were reminded of the Talmud's description of the "Water Festival" a joyful celebration during Sukkot. We were a bit distracted at the pool by an Evangelical Christian group from India who were preaching and chanting next to us - a reminder of how important Jerusalem is to people around the world.
We walked a through a long underground tunnel which led us from the pool of Shiloah - the lowermost point of the City of David, although the way up to the base of the Temple Mount. There we emerged from a hold in the ground to find ourselves in Davidson's Park - a archeological excavation right next to the Western Wall (Kotel). After a time exploring this remarkable area near the Southern Wall we walked around to the Kotel itself.
Everyone had their own private time at this site of Jewish dreams at longing. Generations have sought a personal connection with G-d and History at this place. Our prayers joined with those of our ancestors.
After lunch in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City, we explored the Cardo - the Roman era Main Street, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the most sacred sites in Christianity and grudgingly share among various Christian denominations.
After dinner in the ulta-modern Mamilla mall, we reveled in a remarkable outdoor sound and light show at the Tower of David. It wordlessly but through a series of moving images projected onto the walls of the Old City, tells the story of Jerusalem in it various incarnations.
A long, exhilarating and meaningful day! And an early one tomorrow.
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