Touring with Madeleine: The United Nations Headquarters in Jerusalem

Comments from Recent Visitors

"Madeleine is refreshingly quirky and that is a wonderful quality. That is in addition to her extraordinary wealth of knowledge and openness."

"Madeleine gave us an objective view of the people and places we see on the news."

"Madeleine kept our children, 10, 13, 15 yrs interested and engaged (as only a former teacher can), and her depth of knowledge was welcome by the adults in the group."

"Madeleine gracefully navigated complex issues of faith and culture and we came away with a much better perspective of Jerusalem through 3,000 years of history"

"Madeleine has a talent for listening to what we're interested in and crafting an itinerary that when experienced, flows perfectly while she is open to being flexible and the serendipity of discovery"

"Madeleine was incredible - a huge wealth of information,

"We were a diverse group - different ages, religions, athletic abilities - and Madeleine managed to accommodate us all."

Madeleine was extremely professional with a wonderful sense of humour"

Saturday, May 18, 2019

The United Nations Headquarters in Jerusalem - Government House

Built in 1933, the former British High Commissioner's headquarters - Government House or Armon HaNatsiv in Hebrew - is an elegant, monumental building. In Christian tradition, the site is known as the Hill of Evil Counsel, linking it to home of Caiaphas the high priest from the time of Jesus. Situated in the south of the Valley of Hinnom, it commands a superb view to the old city, Mount of Olives, Judean Desert and into Jordan.

Facade - photo Daniela Penkova

Designed by British architect Austen St. Barbe Harrison, it combines local elements and classical symmetry and bears great resemblance to the Rockefeller Museum in east Jerusalem which he also designed. Once again, he succeeds in creating a building that relates to local historical tradition, the dramatic landscapes and represents the values and culture of the British Empire of its day.

Main Guard Entrance to the compound

In 1948, the British abandoned the building handing it over to the Red Cross. After the Armistice Agreement was signed in 1949, The United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation - UNTSO - moved into the building. It also overseas the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) based on the Golan Heights.

Having fallen into disrepair, the building recently underwent a $7 million renovation restoring it to its former glory.

Sunken Garden from the south
photo Daniela Penkova

Two weeks ago I was fortunate enough to be taken on a private tour of the building which reminded me of the YMCA on King David Street and the Rockefeller Museum.

The simple stone interiors are grand but not overwhelming. High windows allow natural light to flood into the rooms. The most impressive room is the ballroom, which connects to the reception room and incorporates a splendid fireplace designed by Armenian ceramic artist David Ohanessian.