Six Israeli Border Guard policemen were there at the entrance to the tiny room which contains the tomb of Jesus. To keep order.
Hundreds of eager pilgrims and tourists were in line, waiting for their one minute inside.
Hundreds more were there on that Easter in 2012 when I took this picture, filling every space in the huge Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Just recently I was surprised and happy to find something new in the ancient church--this police barricade or small fence which now says
"Holy ceremony"!
On the sides are the insignia of the Jerusalem District Police. I must admit, it is a big improvement over the older ones in the first photo, which say in Hebrew "Mishtarah," which means Police.
I think it shows more sensitivity. Slowly slowly we are learning. It has only been 50 years since Israel got responsibility for the security and safety inside this holiest of Christian holy places. Be patient.
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(Linking to inSPIRED Sunday, Our World Tuesday, and signs, signs.)
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Wishing you a blessed season...
ReplyDeleteI like it better. Seems respectful. If I saw a sign that said that I would want to be quiet.
ReplyDeleteSandi, it is almost never quiet in the huge Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Maybe it is after the doors are locked at night and only the monks who live inside are there.
ReplyDelete"Fifty years ago" — that's when I had my heart set on going to Israel, visiting Jerusalem, working in a kibbutz although I haven't a single Jewish ancestor. But I had a friend who went, and who worked there, and oh, how I wanted to go.
ReplyDeleteThe closest I got was marrying my present husband many years later. He is of Jewish descent but not a believer. He's a good guy, and I think I'll keep him, but I don't think we'll get to Jerusalem any time soon, and probably not at all. Sigh.
Thanks for your photos, Dina. They will have to suffice.
Kay
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
I can't imagine what it would be like there! I'm glad they see that things could be better.
ReplyDeleteI guess when you think about the world, 50 years is but a blink of an eye. . .
ReplyDeleteNice post, Dina. Glad you are seeing some progress.
ReplyDeleteA lovely post Dina I like the detail that you put into your posts.
ReplyDeleteI can imagine it would be busy in there, especially this time of year.
ReplyDeleteThose three young soldiers chappies look relaxed and cute.
ReplyDeleteA bit more sensitivity everywhere is most welcome, I think!
ReplyDeleteThat is a unique sign on the Police barricade. Well spotted.
ReplyDelete...sometimes change comes slowly.
ReplyDelete