Your tour of The New City introduces you to another face of the capital - the modern Jerusalem - its sites, complexes and neighborhoods, all built with the 'Jerusalem Stone' that gives the city its unique appearance.
Yad Vashem – The Shoah (Holocaust) Memorial
The Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial is the world’s most extensive collection of material documenting that historical period. It offers an exceptional opportunity to learn about the systematic annihilation of 6 million Jews at the hands of the Germans and their sympathizers during the Second World War. The site includes a variety of exhibits that present to the public the suffering and heroism of the Jews who lived and perished under the terror of the Nazi regime. The main exhibit documents the historical process of the Shoah (Holocaust) from the Nazis’ rise to power in 1933, through the operation of the Death Camps and the liberation by the Allies in 1945.
Israel Museum – The Shrine of the Book
The Israel Museum, generally regarded as one of the ten most important museums in the world, comprises a rich variety of departments including: archeology, Judaica and Jewish life, impressionism, expressionism, art gallery, youth wing and a beautiful outdoor sculpture garden. A ‘must see’ for any visitor is the Shrine of the Book, a unique facility that houses the Dead Sea Scrolls. Here you will learn about the Essenes, the Jewish sect that lived in the desert 2000 years ago and wrote the Scrolls. Finally you will view the immense, detailed Model of Ancient Jerusalem which depicts the city at the end of the second temple period.
The Chagall Windows
In the Synagogue of the Hadassah hospital there are beautiful stained glass windows which were created by the artist Marc Chagall. These extraordinary works of art depict the Twelve Tribes of Israel and are based on the blessings pronounced by the patriarch Jacob in Genesis 49. A visit to the synagogue provides an unforgettable visual and spiritual experience.
Mea Shearim – The ultra-orthodox religious neighborhood
In one of the oldest neighborhoods of New Jerusalem (1874), resides a community that follows its own laws and tradition. The people who live in this area adhere to strictly religious lifestyle. As you drive or walk through their streets you will be impressed by this unique way of life that derives from the 18th/19th century Jewish communities in Eastern Europe. Their courtyards, homes, shops, synagogues, yeshivas (schools) and dress reflect the character of this unique neighborhood located only a few blocks away from downtown Jerusalem.
Mahane Yehuda – the outdoor food market of Jerusalem
Jerusalem’s outdoor Mahane Yehuda food market is a delightful place to stroll about and enjoy the sights, sounds and aromas of hundreds of colorful shops and stands. These offer an amazing variety of fruits and vegetables, herbs and spices, meat and fish, and all types of house wares. Mahane Yehuda is located on Jerusalem’s main Jaffa Road, in a sprawling compound that includes stylish coffee shops and fashion boutiques in the heart of an authentic middle-eastern market.
The Knesset – The Parliament
The Knesset (Israel’s national parliament) is situated in the Ben Gurion Government Complex in central Jerusalem. Here you will learn about the history and inner workings of Israel’s democratic political system (When the Knesset is in session, visitors are welcome to observe from a viewers' gallery.) The Knesset, with its distinctive design and extensive art collection (including Chagall tapestries) joins with other features of the Complex, such as the Supreme Court building with its unique modern architecture and the famous Rose Garden, to provide a unique aesthetic experience.