Monday, June 24, the Supreme Court and Ammunition Hill

Today was a great day…  But then, again, every day is a great day in Israel.  Today, Hayley and I spent some time at the Supreme Court and at Ammunition Hill. 

Our day began with a late breakfast at the hotel.  You will hear me say again and again how AMAZING the breakfasts are here.  This one did not disappoint.  On our way to the dining room Hayley commented how beautiful it was to see mezuzot on every door. Here is the one affixed to our room.

We had been looking forward to this day for a long time.  Hayley has recently found a love for the justice system and has a desire to look into becoming a lawyer.  How amazing for us to get to learn so much about the justice system in Israel.

The building is a really beautiful building, with lots of significance in its architecture.  We learned that the Supreme Court is not a criminal court, but rather a civil court.  The first thing you notice is the way the building invites in the outside.  That is a cornerstone of the Israeli justice system.  Anyone can walk into any courtroom and witness the process first hand (except in cases where a minor is involved or of heightened security).  The building is inviting for those on the outside, and we learned that the legal process in Israel is really simple and accessible for everyone, combining parts of the British legal system, the Turkish legal system, of course Jewish law.  The first thing you see is this wall of windows that represents this idea of bringing the outside in.

There are many circles and lines in its design.  The lines represent the laws of the land and the circles represent justice.  Even in the courtrooms the lawyers and judges sit in semi-circles facing each other, as if they are saying they are working together to find justice in the case in question.  Here is a courtyard water feature that shows the lines and circles.

We saw the law library, which is three floors high, the first floor being for the lawyers, the second for the judges and the third for retired judges.  Our tour guide suggested this shows a real hierarchy, with the experience of the retired judges being at the top of the pyramid. 

Following our tour we went into the largest courtroom and listened to a case being argued before the Supreme Court.  Even though the dialogue was in Hebrew, we could see how the judges and lawyers really worked together in discussion.  The coolest part was one of the lawyers was a woman.  Talk about inspiration for Hayley!

Following our visit at the Supreme Court we had our first Aroma of the trip.  Aroma is a coffee chain store in Israel, and it is a highlight of every Israel visit.  We will undoubtedly make many Aroma runs during our time here.   

After our treat we took a cab to Ammunition Hill, to visit a wonderful new museum that tells the story of the 6 Days War in 1967 and the ultimate reunification of Jerusalem.  It is hard to imagine any trip to Israel without being able to go into the Old City and see the Western Wall.  But before 1967, this was not allowed.  The museum took us through the entire struggle and ultimate victory.

I think the most interesting part of the museum was the focus on the personal story.  We heard account after account from soldiers who were on the front lines and who are responsible for us being able to experience the Old City and the Western Wall today.  Here is a photo of the flag that the soldiers first places on the Western Wall when they entered the Old City for the first time. 

I was so moved to learn that the soldiers wept at being able to lay their hands on the ancient stones of the Wall, a dream held by generations and generations who had come before them.  I will definitely remember these soldiers as I lay my hands on the Wall during this trip.  It adds a whole new level of meaning for me.  The end of the museum had a really powerful memorial for the Israeli soldiers who lost their lives in this war.  The stones under the glass in the ground represent those lost souls.  I hope they know how grateful we all are for their sacrifice.

Following the museum we got to walk the battle site.  It was so amazing to walk what was once a fortified Jordanian military base and picture how the Israeli soldiers were able to take the land and eventually reclaim the Old City.  We explored the site and the Israeli military vehicles that are a part of the display.

It was another example of how, in such a short period of time, the history of modern Israel is full of heroes and sacrifices.  Tomorrow, Hayley and I get to spend some time with Parker and Preston Lauinger as they become b'nai mitzvah at the egalitarian section of the Wall.  I am so excited to share this time with them and their mom, Alissa, a dear friend.  If you have never been to Israel, consider joining us on a congregational trip.  It is truly a life-changing experience!  Laila tov from Jerusalem!