Virtual Tour of Katamon: Lingering Memories of War and a Hope for Peace

Our virtual tiyul will take us to the neighborhood of Katamon. Established just before World War I by Arab Christians who had built large mansions here, Katamon was the site of some of the fiercest battles in 1948.

Our tour will start with a short introduction accompanied by a Yehuda Amichai poetry reading at Gan Hashoshanim (The Rose’s Garden); While walking towards Palmach street, we will start exploring street names along our way; Kovshey Katamon, Ha’shayarot, Ha’Portzim, Ha’Matzor, Ha’Maapilim. As we uncover the meaning of these names the story of the 1948 war will start unfolding. Winding our way to the San Simon Park… The garden, the secluded monastery and the stories they harbor, will be the backdrop for our literature session of excerpts from “A Pigeon and a Boy” by Meir Shalev and “1948” by Yoram Kanyuk. These readings will open a window to the layers of lingering memories of the Battle of San Simon; a battle that may now be forgotten by most, yet continues to surface, as Israel learns to deal with the impact and lessons of its wars. We will conclude our tour by walking just a few steps to the alley between the Monastery and the Patriarch’s home to remember one of Israel’s greatest poets, Shaul Tchernichovsky, who lived and died in this house. His poem “Creed” will offer hope and consolation as we get ready to celebrate Chanukah.

This event is at 12 PM PT and 3 PM ET.