August 31
Jerusalem’s Mandelbaum Gate and Mea Shearim
“The (Gate) looked like a fortress but on the way back you saw Jews & Arabs living within arm’s reach of one another across an international boundary.”
Jerusalem’s Mandelbaum Gate and Mea Shearim
Sat. Night, August 31, 1957
Dear Mom Dad & Alan,
I spent a very pleasant Shabbos in Jerusalem. I went to the main Shul in the morning. It was packed & only standing room could be had. The city traffic was dead except for people walking & UN & diplomats cars.
In the afternoon I took a walk to the International boundary at the Mandelbaum Gate. The plane looked like a fortress but on the way back you saw Jews & Arabs living within arm’s reach of 1 another across an international boundary. Now Jerusalem has arisen as the stores open & traffic begins again.
As yet I don’t know the date I will be home. I guess I will by tomorrow morning & will write then. In any case with Gods help I will be home before Rosh Hashanah.
Last night I went to a Shul in Meah Shearim where the real fanatically religious Jews live. It sure was an experience. I guess by now you should stop answering my letters since I won’t be here to receive them. Hoping everyone is feeling well.
Love,
Bob
David’s Comments:
August 31, 1957 Bob spent last Shabbat in Jerusalem – Mandelbaum Gate, Mea Shearim
“In the afternoon I took a walk to the International boundary at the Mandelbaum Gate.”
Mandelbaum Gate separated East and West Jerusalem from 1948 to 1967. East Jerusalem including the old City and the Kotel were controlled by Jordan. West Jerusalem was controlled by Israel.
“Last night I went to a Shul in Mea Shearim where the real fanatically religious Jews live. It sure was an experience. “
Bob’s description of “fanatically religious Jews” was not referring to all the Orthdox Jews of Mea Shearim. He probably was referring to the ultra extremists who opposed the State of Israel and burned Israeli flags.
Add link to HU Mt. Scopus and Givat Ram. Getting to Mt. Scopus during Jordanian rule.
The need to build Givat Ram since access to Mt. Scopus too dangerous.