Full moon over Jerusalem
This beautiful photo of a very full moon looking down on the inhabitants of Jerusalem who are soaking in the balmy warm evening—people sitting or walking down to the Jaffa Gate. Many people talk of the unique atmosphere and feeling that permeates the city of Jerusalem, especially at night and on the Sabbath Day. There would be many reasons why this is so—perhaps its spiritual heritage or glorious history, or the towering stone walls surrounding ancient buildings. It is not surprising that Jerusalem hosts four different monotheistic religions, who host the majority of the world’s population of those who believe in a Superior Being ‘looking down’ and taking an interest in the activities of mankind.
Or on a more social note, Jerusalem’s ‘energy’ might come from its inhabitants creating the hustle and bustle of the busy of the crowded colourful markets, or the celebrations on special days where people will openly dance and sing on the main streets or in the parks; along the narrow laneways and in the open spaces, but whatever the reason for the unique atmosphere, it is the people who make Israel one of the ten most happiest countries in the world.
Geographically, Jerusalem sits on the original hills of the City of David with its surrounding wall approximately four kilometres long. Jerusalem is one of the most ‘fought-over’ pieces of real estate in the world. This historical city was originally built by King David in 1004 B.C.E. and has often been considered the centre of the Earth. Ancient maps show only the three continents that were known at the time: Europe, Asia and Africa, where each met the other at a common geographical point, which had Jerusalem at its centre. This is almost certainly why the trade routes and conquering armies found this small strip of land a valuable asset. Jerusalem has been cherished by kings, rulers, traders and conquerors who bear witness to its enduring walls.