Following the success of the rooftop video produced by Israel 21c, an article appeared about me in the the local ESRA Magazine for English-Speaking Residents of Israel. Written by Lydia Aisenberg, a member of Kibbutz Mishmar HaEmek in the Jezreel Valley, who works tirelessly as a journalist, informal educator and special study tour guide for the Givat Haviva Institute which has been educating for peace, democracy, coexistence and social solidarity for half a century.
You can read the article here: Madeleine On the Roof
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Scenes from above - rooftop views of Jerusalem
There are many ways to visit Jerusalem. However, the best way to get a sense of the city is to see it from above. There are a number of excellent options including the Mount Olives - probably the number one viewpoint best seen early in the day, the rampart walk around the Old City, the rooftop of the Austrian Hospice in the Muslim Quarter and the YMCA tower on King David Street. I was recently interviewed for Israel21cdotcom showing me guiding some of these sites. You can watch it here -Rooftop Tour with Madeleine
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Old City Personalities - My Mate Yousef
If you happen to be walking along Christian Quarter Road and pass by number 30, stop in and say hello to my friend Yousef Natshe whom I have known for over twenty years. He comes from the esteemed Natshe family of Hebron. To this day his family still produces the hand-blown glass for which the town is famous..
Born in 1958 in the village of Silwan just south of the Old City, Yousef is one of 8 children - 5 boys and three girls. He learned his trade through his late father, a fabric merchant. Despite hardships - the family lost two homes in Katamon and Baka and a shop in Mahane Yehuda in west Jerusalem after 1948 - he is always positive and has a ready smile.
Yousef has owned his store on the Christian Quarter Road since 2003 but has traded in the Old City since 1973. A father of 4, he lives with his wife, three girls and a boy in the village of Anata close to the northern Jewish neighborhood of French Hill.
While I was sitting with him and drinking a refreshing glass of mint tea, I asked him what his dream was. He told me that he'd like to live on a mountain, somewhere green away from the city.
Feel free to pop in and view some of the rugs and fabrics. His honesty, fair prices and good quality have made him popular with his loyal, local clientele. There is no pressure and you will always be greeted with a warm smile especially if you tell him that I sent you!
Born in 1958 in the village of Silwan just south of the Old City, Yousef is one of 8 children - 5 boys and three girls. He learned his trade through his late father, a fabric merchant. Despite hardships - the family lost two homes in Katamon and Baka and a shop in Mahane Yehuda in west Jerusalem after 1948 - he is always positive and has a ready smile.
Yousef has owned his store on the Christian Quarter Road since 2003 but has traded in the Old City since 1973. A father of 4, he lives with his wife, three girls and a boy in the village of Anata close to the northern Jewish neighborhood of French Hill.
While I was sitting with him and drinking a refreshing glass of mint tea, I asked him what his dream was. He told me that he'd like to live on a mountain, somewhere green away from the city.
Feel free to pop in and view some of the rugs and fabrics. His honesty, fair prices and good quality have made him popular with his loyal, local clientele. There is no pressure and you will always be greeted with a warm smile especially if you tell him that I sent you!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
A few of my favourite things
Beyond the tourist shops and restaurants, the Old City is filled with hole-in-the-wall eateries offering authentic and tasty local delights which add to the fun of wandering around the alleyways.
One of my favourite areas are the three Crusader market streets which make up the Cardo of the ancient Roman-Byzantine city. These are Butchers' or Meat Market, Spice Market and Engravers' Market.
For those of a strong disposition, take the first left along Butchers' Street - Shuk HaLahamim in Arabic and Katzavim in Hebrew - walk past animal heads and entrails and walk almost to the end. On the left side is Abu Taher, a small restaurant run by Taher and his male cooks. Ask to see the daily specials simmering on the stove. The hummus is also good.
One of my favourite areas are the three Crusader market streets which make up the Cardo of the ancient Roman-Byzantine city. These are Butchers' or Meat Market, Spice Market and Engravers' Market.
Butchers' Market
Descending from Jaffa Gate along David Street to the bottom of the hill, make a left on Shuk HaTzorfim (engravers' street) to Arafat Restaurant. The only sign is a large pot of freshly-made hummus and a tiny cave filled with hungry customers. There is a daily special which usually lasts until 1 p.m. so get there early.
For those of a strong disposition, take the first left along Butchers' Street - Shuk HaLahamim in Arabic and Katzavim in Hebrew - walk past animal heads and entrails and walk almost to the end. On the left side is Abu Taher, a small restaurant run by Taher and his male cooks. Ask to see the daily specials simmering on the stove. The hummus is also good.
Za'atar spice mountain, spice market
Walk to the end of Shuk HaAttarin, Spice Market - the most aromatic of the three streets which contains another secret - grilled lamb kebabs. For over 70 years the family has been making this delicacy served in a pita with grilled tomatoes and onions for only 9 shekels. The tiny cafe is usually crowded so take it to go and eat it around the corner near the Holy Sepulchre Church and watch the world go by.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Flying with the Birds - the Agamon Hula Park
Israel is a major international bird migration area. Around 500 million birds migrate across this country twice a year using the Dead Sea Rift Valley as a navigation aid. Waterfowl, birds of prey and song birds from 390 different species make their way from Europe to Africa in the winter returning in the summer, stopping to refuel along the way at the Agamon Hula Park situated in the heart of the Hula Valley.
One of the main problems caused by the large volume of birds is damage to agricultural land. In order to overcome this the birds are fed corn to divert their attention from the local produce without causing harm to the birds themselves.
Last week I had the pleasure of viewing some of the 30,000 cranes who had dropped in for their seasonal visit which began last October. I joined a group of tour guides on a tractor-drawn hide which entered deep into the special bird area during feeding time. Oblivious to our presence, the birds swooped on the food and provided us with a breathtaking show.
The Agamon is open all the year round. Here one can see not only birds but also water buffalo, take part in a bird banding workshop and enjoy the unique flora and fauna of the area. The 5 mile trail encircling the Agamon Hula can be experienced on foot, bike, multi-passenger vehicle or club cart. Fun for all ages!http://www.agamon-hula.co.il/
One of the main problems caused by the large volume of birds is damage to agricultural land. In order to overcome this the birds are fed corn to divert their attention from the local produce without causing harm to the birds themselves.
Last week I had the pleasure of viewing some of the 30,000 cranes who had dropped in for their seasonal visit which began last October. I joined a group of tour guides on a tractor-drawn hide which entered deep into the special bird area during feeding time. Oblivious to our presence, the birds swooped on the food and provided us with a breathtaking show.
The Agamon is open all the year round. Here one can see not only birds but also water buffalo, take part in a bird banding workshop and enjoy the unique flora and fauna of the area. The 5 mile trail encircling the Agamon Hula can be experienced on foot, bike, multi-passenger vehicle or club cart. Fun for all ages!http://www.agamon-hula.co.il/
Friday, February 11, 2011
BLACKOUT - Dining in the Dark
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Last night I experienced my first meal served in total darkness at the Nalaga'at (do touch) Center in the Port of Old Jaffa. After overcoming my initial apprehension, I allowed myself to be guided into the dark restaurant by the blind wait staff. What an amazing time we had! Without vision, my other senses were sharpened as we enjoyed a creative three-course meal.
Dining at BlackOut is one of the three outstanding experiences offered to the visitors of the “Nalaga’at” Center. The Center - the first of its kind in the world, seeks to promote interaction between deaf-blind, deaf, and blind individuals and people able to hear and see, regardless of cultural or social distinctions.
Last night I experienced my first meal served in total darkness at the Nalaga'at (do touch) Center in the Port of Old Jaffa. After overcoming my initial apprehension, I allowed myself to be guided into the dark restaurant by the blind wait staff. What an amazing time we had! Without vision, my other senses were sharpened as we enjoyed a creative three-course meal.
Dining at BlackOut is one of the three outstanding experiences offered to the visitors of the “Nalaga’at” Center. The Center - the first of its kind in the world, seeks to promote interaction between deaf-blind, deaf, and blind individuals and people able to hear and see, regardless of cultural or social distinctions.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Follow me around Jerusalem!
Take a virtual tour with me around Jerusalem. My thanks to Harvey and Margie Wilensky for their report.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
A place where time stands still – the Rockefeller Museum
Off the Beaten Track
On a free day last week, I took a couple of friends on a tour to the Rockefeller Museum in East Jerusalem. Walking along the ramparts from Jaffa Gate to Damascus Gate, we continued down Sultan Suleiman St. to the museum about a 10 minute walk away.
The museum building is an architectural gem designed by Austen St. Barbe Harrison, Chief Architect during the British Mandate period (also famous for designing the Central Post Office on Jaffa Road and the Government House – currently the UN headquarters). He successfully blended east and west in a landmark building which is today run by the Israel Museum.
Displaying fascinating archaeological artifacts from around the country, and decorated with unique Armenian ceramics by David Ohannessian, the father of Armenian pottery in Jerusalem, the museum is well worth your attention!
27 Sultan Suleiman Street
Opening hours: Sun, Mon, Wed, Thurs 10 – 3 Saturday 10:00 – 2 p.m.
Parking on site available only on Saturday.
Free entrance
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