"From the Wealth of Kadyrov's Mosque to the Gold of Jerusalem"

“From the Wealth of the Kadyrov Mosque to the Gold of Jerusalem”

Departure date: September 26 — Saturday
Excursion price: 225 shekels

Everyone knows Abu Ghosh as the “hummus capital.” But did you know that three millennia of world history are intertwined within one square kilometer here?

Many people have visited this place dozens of times without suspecting what treasures are hidden right by the road, within a one-kilometer radius in Abu Ghosh: the history of the Ark of the Covenant; French Catholic monasteries built above ancient sites; and one of the largest and most fabulously beautiful mosques, built by Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov in memory of his father, Akhmad, who was killed by terrorists on May 9, 2004, during Victory Day celebrations. The mosque was named the Mosque of Peace.

The Benedictine Monastery of the Resurrection of Christ was built above the Roman camp of the Tenth Roman Legion. After the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE, the legion remained here for another century to guard the roads and territory.

A beautiful garden will greet us with silence and tranquility.

The church rises like a powerful fortress. It was built in the turbulent times of the Crusaders, at the beginning of the 12th century, by the Knights Hospitaller. Inside are surviving 12th-century frescoes, breathtaking acoustics, and even the sound of the spring in the crypt can be heard.

At the Mosque of Peace, one of the largest in the country, we will be welcomed by a caretaker.

Modest clothing is required: men and women must have their shoulders and legs covered; no shorts or Bermuda shorts. Women must wear a headscarf. Shoes are removed upon entering the prayer hall.

The classical Ottoman style, reminiscent of the great mosques of Istanbul, makes this mosque a unique architectural landmark of Israel.

The interior decoration and paintings were created by professional Turkish craftsmen and calligrapher-artists using gold leaf.

The prayer hall floor is covered with blue-turquoise carpets featuring national ornaments.

Rare white marble used for the cladding was brought from Turkey.

It is a miracle that this mosque was not damaged during the Hamas shelling on October 9, 2023.

At the top of the hill stands the Monastery of the Virgin Mary and the Ark of the Covenant.

The Ark of the Covenant stood here, and by the will of the Lord, King David, accompanied by priests, the singing of the Levites, and a multitude of people, transported the Ark to Jerusalem. For the Lord said: “Jerusalem, which I have chosen from all the tribes of Israel, there I will place My Name forever.” 2 Kings 21:7.

A Song of Ascents.

Of David.

“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” Psalm 133.

A strategic post of the Tenth Roman Legion was established on this summit, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

The monastery was built on the site of a Byzantine basilica destroyed, probably, by the ruler of Egypt, Caliph Al-Hakim, almost a thousand years ago.

The church was built with the support of benefactors and Sister Josephine Rumiéb of the Order of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, and was consecrated in 1924.

Through the New Gate of the Christian residential quarter, past the Greek Patriarchate—from where Patriarch Theophilos III sets out for services—we will walk to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, consecrated at the beginning of the 4th century during the reign of Constantine the Great. This unique basilica was destroyed twice and finally restored in the 12th century under the Crusaders.

The church has always remained the spiritual center of the Christian world. We will see the last five Stations of the Cross. For centuries, Christians have consecrated icons and amulets in this church and lit candles from the Holy Fire in order to purify their homes and pray. We will see ancient Jewish quarries where the life-giving cross was found, the supposed prison of Jesus, and gifts from the Russian imperial family.

Through the Jewish Quarter, with its famous Menorah, we will descend to the foot of the Temple Mount and the Western Wall, where one can always turn to the Heavenly Father with prayers and requests.

“May the Lord bless you from Zion, He who made heaven and earth.”
Psalm 134.

May the grace of these places, peace, and tranquility remain in your hearts and protect you and your loved ones.

⚠️⚠️⚠️ Departure from cities in the south, center, and north of the country.

For information by phone:
☎️☎️☎️ Booking phone: 054-4298327

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