Avir riding a lion at top of stairs leading to the Kotel
Throughout Jerusalem, the lion symbol is the most prominent icon, appearing on the many Jerusalem flags; on shops, parks, residences, hotels and over the popular Lions Gate. Separate to these are the endless display of lions casts, including the larger ones on which we see Avir practising for the rodeo. This pair of lions are situated high up in the Jewish Quarter near the stairs heading down to the prayer centre of Jerusalem known as the Kotel (the Western Wall).
The lion has been a symbol of strength and resilience and of the tribe of Judah for countless generations. Jerusalem formed part of Judah’s portion of the Promises Land. As the established biblical and historical capital of the Jewish nation, the Lion of Judah has always been the symbol of Jerusalem, Judah and Israel, which is why the Municipality of Jerusalem adopted the lion as its official emblem. There are approximately 150 references in the Bible regarding lions, many descriptive and metaphoric to Israel. Here are two:
Overlooking the armies of Israel, Balaam declares in (Numbers 23:24a)
“Here is a people rising up like a lioness; like a lion he rears himself up…”
In his lament over the death of Saul and Jonathan, David remembers
“Sha’ul and Y’honatan, loved and gracious while alive,were not separated even in death; they were swifter than eagles, stronger than lions”……….. 2 Samuel 1:23
The most prominent ties between the king of the lions and Israel, comes before the official birth of the nation of Israel. The twelve tribes were a band of brothers, all sons of Jacob. On his deathbed, Jacob has a prophesy for each son. Over Judah he speaks. “Judah is a lion’s whelp……he bows down, and he lies down as a lion; and as a lion why shall rouse him?” (Gen 49:9).
Avir invites you catch a glimpse of the wonderful array of lions next time you’re in this unique capital city. And to add to the list above, you will also see images of lions on water fountains, statues, mosaic floors of ancient synagogues, sculptures on buildings and seats!