Today’s trip into the depths of the “Muslim Quarter” brought myself and Rabbi Ben Packer to a recently reacquired pro
perty near to the Lion’s Gate. The property was found to belong to Jews when an attorney investigating another property saw this one listed in the binder.
Nestled up and to the left of the Lion’s Gate, the neighborhood has had no Jews living in it since the 1930’s when they were driven out. In fact, the Border Patrol by the Lion’s Gate stopped us before getting permission from their commanders to let us through.
The property shares a courtyard with an Arab family who were very pleasant and received us warmly. According to reports the Arab on Arab crime in the neighborhood makes it a dangerous area altogether. The family like others hopes that the presence of Jewish residents will bring much needed police and development.
Reclaiming Stolen Jewish Property Near the Lion’s GateBen Packer of the Jerusalem Heritage House accompanies David Mark founder of Israel Rising into a newly reacquired property near the Lion’s Gate of #Jerusalem.
Posted by Israel Rising on Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Just down the street is the Church of St. Ann, which is there because of the Christian tradition that Miriam (called Mary by Christians) who gave birth to Yehoshua (nickname Yeshua – called Jesus by Christians) was born and grew up there. Underneath the church (accessible by a staircase inside the church) is a 2nd Temple Period house, which Christians believe to be the house owned by Hannah (called Ann by Christians) and her husband, the parents of Miriam.
This, IMHO, gives credibility to what we know to be true, that as the city expanded, Jews built houses to the north of the Temple Mount as it was easier to enter the courtyards from that area.
As we have reclaimed our ancient homeland, I believe it is time to reclaim our ancient homes or at least the areas above them!