We are almost about to farewell Israel. The last couple of days have been a bit hectic. A number of highlights include the visit to the Dome of the Rock, The Garden Tomb (there are apparently a good number of scholars who do not believe that this is the place of the crucifixion and burial……..The Church of the Holy Sepulchre being the preferred location….but this was a much more calming place than the church location),  The Holocaust Museum,  a quick look-see at the Dead Sea Scrolls and very quick pass by the Herod exhibition at the Israeli Museum.

The Dome of the Rock sits atop Temple Mount. A common misconception is that it is a mosque, no it is a Muslim shrine to the place where they believe Mohammed ascended to heaven. The Jews believe it is where Abraham brought Isaac to be sacrificed. This was also the location of the 2nd Jewish Temple destroyed by the Romans. It is where they believe the 3rd Temple will be built sometime. Hence all the hassles up here.

The Garden Tomb

About half our tour members are leaving to return home to Australia and the rest of us our ensconced in a hotel not far from the Tel Aviv airport awaiting  onward flights  in the early hours tomorrow.You will next hear from Allthego when in Istanbul.