Hezekiah's Tunnel - Jerusalem

 

I had no idea that on May 16, 2014 I’d be walking through an underground tunnel in Jerusalem built as an aqueduct sometime around the 6^th or 7^th century B.C.,. When I bought my ticket for entry I didn’t really know what I was getting into. However, getting my feet wet, literally, was totally worth it for a 533 meter shuffle thru water and ancient darkness.

Hezekiah's Tunnel was built to supply water to Jerusalem during a time when they were worried about being attacked by the Assyrians. The Bible makes references and historians form hypothesis but one thing is for sure, it’s ancient and interesting.

At first the tunnel is a little intimidating. Those visiting the City of David have an option of passing through Hezekiah’s tunnel which is long and wet, or, a much shorter Canaanite tunnel which is dry. The majority of tourist choose the Canaanite option.

At the entry point of the two tunnels I met up with a large German tour group that was taking the Canaanite tunnel and a single American traveler looking for company to go down the long Hezekiah’s tunnel. He only had one tiny flashlight and was not only looking for company but a backup light source. I picked up a cheap key ring led light for 5 shekels and we were on our way.

The deepest water is at first step which is about thigh deep. From there it’s below the knee. The tunnel varies in width and height but it’s pretty tight the whole way and you have to walk hunched over most of the way as it snakes around. The darkness is total without a light and those who suffer from any form of claustrophobia might suffer an anxiety attack. Since we were the only two passing through at the time I was happy to have the company and really got into the marvel of it all. It was kind of like caving but without the Bats.

At the end of the tunnel the water flows into an open pool where we saw some Hassidic Jews washing in the water. The City of David is in an Arab section of Jerusalem. The walk up a steep hill back to where we began looked a little third worldly.

Jerusalem is an ancient City of converging contrasts. Old Jerusalem, although, old is not really ancient. Much of the architecture is medieval and looks 11^th to 12^th century on. Original buildings have decayed, burned, been destroyed, and re-built over and over. The authentic ancient settlements are all buried below what now exists. Buildings, Mosques, Churches, and Synagogues are constructed in approximation of where they once were or where events may have happened. Although there is no doubt the general geographical location is where history took place I am more inclined to view historic locations as monuments for what took place in the vicinity.

Jerusalem definitely has a different vibe from Tel Aviv. Whereas Tel Aviv felt like a European beach resort Jerusalem has an intensity that takes some getting use to. It’s a converging point of Jewish, Arab Muslim, and Christian minority functioning within a Jewish state. It’s also a melting pot of people who have immigrated from all over the world due to faith based reasons. I find the Israeli’s to be easy to get on with but the Arab’s are a little more edgy to deal with.

For the last three days I have been staying with my friend Alon at his parents place in a suburb of Jerusalem which is set upon a hillside with a fabulous view towards Tel Aviv right next to the West Bank. His parents are returning tonight so I will move to a hostel within the city of Jerusalem this afternoon. At this point I am debating going to Jordon for a couple of days, mainly to see Petra. With border fees, transportation etc I am inclined to sign on for a tour to avoid hassle or any other potential problems.