Three Great Faiths in One Place

Our journey today began with the Western Wall where Jewish people come to pray. I was only allowed to pray on the women’s side, seeing women sobbing and bobbing back and forth, involving their hearts, minds and bodies in their earnest prayers. It was sad to see mothers standing on plastic chairs, peeking over the separation wall to witness their sons’ Barmitzvahs. We were especially blessed to see an extended family beating on drums, while dancing down the narrow stone street on their way to the Wall for their son’s Barmitzvah. The young boy balanced proudly on his father’s shoulders as his family clapped and sang.

This is a land of three great faiths, yet a land of walls and barriers. As we climbed to the glorious Temple Mount, there were security checks and soldiers with guns and piles of bullet-proof shields. Guards of one faith guard Pilgrims of another. So as I stood where Jesus preached in the temple and gazed at Al Aqsa Mosque with its golden dome and bright blue mosaic tiles, I was deeply moved, feeling I was in the center of the world of faith. Children with bright smiles shook our hands and greeted us with friendly “Salems.” Such great contrasts!

My heart was later broken open as I wandered through the Holocaust Museum, seeing short film clips of survivors’ tales of horror. I went to the Children’s Memorial where thousands of twinkling stars were shining in the dark, while hearing the names of children who were killed.

We saw so much more today, but it was all amazing!

Written by Becky Wright