Exploring the Timeless Charm of Jerusalem's Old City

• Helloשָׁלוֹם
  [shalom]
• Goodbyeלְהֵיתָר
  [lehitra]
• Yesכֵּן
  [ken]
• Noלֹא
  [lo]
• Please/You're welcomeבבקשה
  [bevakasha]
• Thank youתודה
  [todah]
• Excuse me/Sorryסליחה
  [slicha]
• How are you?איך אתה?
  [ech ata]
• Fine. And you?טוב. ואתה?
  [tov. ve'ata]
• Do you speak English?אתה מדבר אנגלית?
  [ata medaber anglit?]
• I don't understandאני לא מבין
  [ani lo mevin]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseאני רוצה לראות את התפריט, בבקשה
  [ani rotse lir'ot et hatafrid, bevakasha]
• I don't eat meatאני לא אוכל בשר
  [ani lo ochel basar]
• Cheers!לחיים!
  [lechayim]
• I would like to pay, pleaseאני רוצה לשלם, בבקשה
  [ani rotse lishlem, bevakasha]

• Help!עזרה!
  [ezra!]
• Go away!לך לעברך!
  [lech le'avarcha!]
• Call the Police!קרא למשטרה!
  [kra lemishtara!]
• Call a doctor!קרא לרופא!
  [kra larofe!]
• I'm lostאני אבוד
  [ani avud]
• I'm illאני חולה
  [ani holeh]

• I'd like to buy...אני רוצה לקנות...
  [ani rotse liknot...]
• I'm just lookingאני רק מסתכל
  [ani rak mistakel]
• How much is it?כמה עולה זה?
  [kama ole ze?]
• That's too expensiveזה יקר מדי
  [ze yikar midai]
• Can you lower the price?אתה יכול להוריד את המחיר?
  [ata yachol lehored et hamechir?]

• What time is it?מה השעה?
  [ma hasha'a?]
• It's one o'clockזה אחת בבוקר
  [ze achat baboker]
• Half past (10)חצי (עשר)
  [chatzi (eser)]
• Morningבקר
  [boker]
• Afternoonצהריים
  [tsohorayim]
• Eveningערב
  [erev]
• Yesterdayאתמול
  [etmol]
• Todayהיום
  [hayom]
• Tomorrowמחר
  [machar]
• 1אחד
  [echad]
• 2שניים
  [shnayim]
• 3שלושה
  [shaloshah]
• 4ארבעה
  [arba'ah]
• 5חמישה
  [chamishah]
• 6שישה
  [shisha]
• 7שבעה
  [sheva'ah]
• 8שמונה
  [shmonah]
• 9תשעה
  [tesha'ah]
• 10עשרה
  [aserah]

• Where's a/the...?איפה נמצא...?
  [eifo nimtza...?]
• What's the address?מה הכתובת?
  [ma hakatovet?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?אתה יכול להראות לי (על המפה)?
  [ata yachol leharot li (al hamapa)?]
• When's the next (bus)?מתי האוטובוס הבא?
  [matay haotobus haba?]
• A ticket (to ....)כרטיס (ל....)
  [kartis (le....)]

The Old City of Jerusalem is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with roots that trace back to ancient times, particularly to the Canaanite period around 3000 BCE. It became a significant city with the establishment of Jerusalem as the capital of the Kingdom of Judah under King David around 1000 BCE. The region's religious and political importance was solidified with the construction of the First Temple by Solomon.

In 586 BCE, Jerusalem faced a pivotal moment when the Babylonian Empire, led by King Nebuchadnezzar II, besieged the city, destroyed the First Temple, and exiled many of its inhabitants. This event marked a significant turning point in Jewish history, leading to the development of synagogues and an emphasis on the Torah in the absence of the Temple.

In 63 BCE, Pompey the Great captured Jerusalem, bringing it under Roman control. The Second Temple was constructed around 516 BCE and underwent significant renovations under King Herod the Great in the late 1st century BCE, making it a magnificent structure. However, tensions with the Romans led to the Jewish-Roman War, culminating in the Temple's destruction in 70 CE.

Following the Roman period, Jerusalem became a center of Christianity during the Byzantine Empire, with the construction of significant churches, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the 4th century CE. In 638 CE, the city fell to Muslim forces under Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, marking the beginning of Islamic rule and the construction of the Dome of the Rock, further solidifying the city's religious significance.

The Crusaders captured Jerusalem in 1099, establishing the Kingdom of Jerusalem and transforming the Old City into a Christian stronghold. This period saw the construction of numerous churches and fortifications, including the Crusader Church of the Holy Sepulchre. However, the city was recaptured by Saladin in 1187, leading to a complex interplay of Christian and Muslim governance over the following centuries.

The Old City fell under Ottoman control in 1517 and remained so for four centuries. During this period, significant developments occurred, including the construction of the current city walls by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century. The Ottomans fostered a period of relative stability, allowing the diverse religious communities to flourish, which still characterizes the Old City today.

The 20th century brought significant upheaval to the Old City, particularly during the British Mandate, the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, and the Six-Day War in 1967, when Israel gained control of East Jerusalem, including the Old City. This period has seen ongoing tensions and conflicts, but it has also become a focal point for cultural preservation, tourism, and interfaith dialogue, with significant religious sites attracting millions of visitors annually.

The Old City of Jerusalem is centrally located and easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Jerusalem. If you're arriving from the city center, you can take a light rail train to the City Hall station, which is a short walk to the Jaffa Gate, one of the main entrances to the Old City. Buses also run frequently to several gates of the Old City, including the Damascus Gate and Zion Gate. Taxis and rideshare services like Gett are also available and can drop you off near the gates.

The Old City is primarily pedestrian-friendly, with many narrow alleyways and bustling markets best explored on foot. Public transport options within the Old City are limited, but you can catch the light rail or buses just outside its walls. Bicycles are not recommended due to the narrow streets and crowds. Taxis are available at the gates for trips outside the Old City.

The Old City is generally safe for tourists, but it's wise to remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur, particularly in the bustling markets. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less crowded areas. While there are no specific high-crime areas, it’s advisable to stay within well-trafficked zones.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police assistance or 101 for medical emergencies. The local hospitals, such as Hadassah Hospital and Shaare Zedek Medical Center, are equipped to handle various emergencies. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that includes medical coverage. For minor health issues, local pharmacies are available for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in religious sites, covering shoulders and knees. Don't wear overly casual attire like shorts or tank tops. Religion: Do respect local customs; it is customary to remove shoes when entering mosques and to cover your head when entering certain religious sites. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Shalom' or 'Salam.' A smile and nod go a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods like falafel and shawarma. Don’t eat or drink in public during Ramadan, as it may be considered disrespectful.

To experience the Old City like a local, visit the vibrant markets, especially the Arab Souk, for fresh produce and unique souvenirs. Engage with local vendors and try street food specialties. Attend a local event or festival if possible, as it offers insights into the culture and traditions. Early mornings are the best time to explore before the crowds arrive, and don’t hesitate to ask locals for direction or recommendations; they are often friendly and eager to help.