5th Post - Thursday, April 3 - Temple Mount, Dome of the Rock, Muslim Quarter

Another day of "In your face reality" and almost making news!

We started out waiting in a long line for our chance to get to the Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock. This is an Islamic site, but of course, built on the site of the Jewish Temple. Religious Jews are not supposed to go into the Temple Mount area, but while we were there, a group of Jews came in, which created quite a ruckus from the groups of women sitting around the courtyard. As the Jews passed by, all the women started yelling, "Allah Akbar" (God is Great). Fortunately it didn't escalate beyond that. 

As we were leaving the Temple Mount, a group of Jews were protesting at the gate, with chants of "Build the Temple." Quite provocative in a very sensitive situation.

We had a little time for lunch and shopping in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem, before visiting the Bethesda Pools (where Jesus healed the lame man).

In the late afternoon we had a sobering visit to the Holocaust Museum.

LaVerne, Ruth, Renee, Maie, and Joyce pose in front of Temple Mount.

While waiting in line we were treated to numerous Bar Mitzvah processions.

This warning is for religious Jews - they are not to enter the Temple Mount area.

The Wailing Wall, or Western Wall - as close to the ancient temple as Jews can go

Mitch and Maie with Dome of the Rock in the background

Dome of the Rock

Our entire group, with our guide Glenn, at Temple Mount

The ancient city from Temple Mount

Jewish demonstrators at the gate chanting, "Build the Temple!"

Kate, Gladys, Gaylene, Sandy & Ken in the old city

Glenn explains the Wailing (or Western) Wall

Praying at the Wailing Wall

Pools of Bethesda - there really is still water in the lower areas.

Holocaust Museum

Holocaust Museum (no photos allowed inside)

The view upon exiting the Holocaust Museum