A sabbatical in Jerusalem: book 3

7/28/2019 A sabbatical in Jerusalem: book 3

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A Sabbatical in Jerusalem: Book 3

John Walker msc

A S a b b a t i c a l i n J e r u s a l e m: B

o ok 3


John Walker msc




John Walker msc

A S a b b a t i c a l i n J e r u s a l e m: B o ok 3


John Walker msc



Compiling this last book, a set of three describing with images my sabbatical in Jerusalem, was causefor much needed reflection on the experience. I have said many times it has been a life-changingexperience. It has been exactly that. In a conversation whilst in the Galilee with Ghada, our beautifulPalestinian guide, I commented that I personally found it disturbing to be caught up in the frenzy of a

Holy Land pilgrimage. Ghada’s response was, ‘John, I’m less interested in holy places and moreinterested in holy people’. On reflection I met many ‘holy’ people in this complex land; men and womenon both sides of the conflict who view the current situation in moderation, and work and pray for justice.They are for me, beacons of hope.

John Walker mscDecember 2012




Hebron and the tombs of the Patriachs’ and Matriachs’: a Palestinian city subject to ongoing illegal settler violence















Sunset from the Tent of Nations and further examples of illegal settlements and settler violence



Peter Malone msc visits Tantur



Ori Goldberg is an IDF intelligence officer and was scheduled to speak to the group this night on another subject, but thesituation in the Gaza exploded during the day and thus the night was a discussion around the conflict



Church of the Holy Sepulchre









The grave of Oskar Schindler in the old Catholic cemetery on Mt Zion



The city of David with Jared, our Jewish archeologist guide









The guided tour of the Southern Steps with Jared







The Israel National Museum





Shrine of the Book housing the Dead Sea Scrolls



Three dimensional models of the Temple, and old Jerusalem during the second Temple period



Entrance to the Israel National Museum (left), and the Knesset (right)







“The South Hebron Hills are situated far away from the inquiring eyes of Israeli Society.

They are almost completely ignored by the media and the public discourse. This large

region and the many Palestinians who live there are forgotten in the conversations

conducted about the future of the conflict. We, soldiers who served in the South HebronHills, have been witness to the consequences of this callous disregard. Members of

Breaking the Silence uphold their civic duty to inform Israeli society about what happens

in the Territories in its name, and hold up a mirror that reflects the price of our presence

in the Territories. Tours of the South Hebron Hills are part of the effort.”

Breaking the Silence is an organization of Israeli military veterans who served since the

start of the Second Intifada (September 2000), and who have taken upon themselves the

imperative to expose the Israeli public to everyday life in the Occupied Territories, a

reality which is rarely reflected in the media. Breaking the Silence was founded in June

2004, and has since acquired a special standing in the eyes of both the Israeli and

international public and media for its unique role in making heard the voices of soldiers

who have previously remained silent.

www.breakingthesilence.org.il

Avner Gvaryahu (left) is a 27 year old male religious Jew who lives in Tel Aviv with his

young wife. He was one of the co-founders of Breaking the Silence and is currently its

CEO. Avner, together with two female IDF personnel, exposed us to the violence and

immorality of occupation in the West Bank. They spoke honestly and passionately of

their experience; not a passion shared by their families.





Susya, a Palestinian village demolished by IDF five times since 1985. It is classified within Area C (Oslo Agreement) of the WestBank and therefore lies under Israeli military occupation and control









Ein Karen is an ancient village of the Jerusalem District. According to Christian tradition this is where Mary visited her cousinElizabeth, and John the Baptist was born







Last week and winding up with mixed emotions.



The presence of IDF can be seen and felt everywhere in the Old City



Sunset over Bethlehem



A final visit to the West Wall





The Damascus Gate



A southern view of the Old City from the Haas Promenade (above), and Hassidm in the Kidron Valley (right)









Ancient Jewish tombs in the Kidron Valley



Ancient olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane









‘Holyland’ hirise apartment complex in Jerusalem; a project that is the subject of a corruption scandal engulfing former primeminister Ehud Olmert













The farewells begin





Final farewell party and the hilarious tale of ‘Tel Tantur’





Sr Veronica, an Australian Good Samaritan, leads us in the Vegemite song; prizes, the much dreaded Vegemite sandwich!



A sabbatical in Jerusalem: book 3

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