West Jerusalem town center

My husband has been looking for a hat for the approaching hot weather and so far no luck. We decided to give the center of West Jerusalem a try.

Perhaps you already know that Jerusalem is divided in two: East is predominantly Arab Palestinian and West is predominantly Jewish Israeli. Between the two is the Old Town which is divided into four, but then that is another story to be told on another occasion.

Isn't this view of Jerusalem as the centre of the world interesting? The mural is a replica of a map made in the 1500's just after America was "discovered" by Colombus.

The center of West Jerusalem looks very much like any Mediterranean European city with a pedestrian zone, cafés, shops and a tram line going through it all. It has definitely a secular feel, in contrast to the Old Town and the nearby religious communities.

The past few times we have visited the area, young people (most often boys) are dancing about promoting different causes. Unfortunately I have no idea which ones as I have yet to get an explanation in English about them yet. Rather odd, since I have come across very many English speakers since I arrived here, which makes my stay thankfully easy.

A little off the centre's main road Jaffa Street, is a Russian Church that is absolutely lovely for which pictures will follow in another post.

On our walk home we passed a lovely area that was built during the British period. The church above was built in 1832 where services were in Arabic but has been taken over by a British congregation, if I am not mistaken.

Just across the street were two lovely villas which had lovely blooming gardens.

Below is an Israeli Ministry that has used old glorious buildings for their offices, located on the edge of a Jewish Orthodox community.

Picture taking is frowned upon by this said community. There are even signs stating their discontent at being observed as curiosities, which is an understandable attitude. I always try my best to respect this wish, but I realized later that I unintentionally captured a gentleman clad in Jewish Orthodox garb waiting for the bus. It is a bit difficult to avoid this situation as this particular group is rather visible in most of the parts I visit. One must try to be diplomatic and sensitive when one lives in such a religious city.

Have a splendid day!

Christine