EL AL | Atmosphere

See the Sights I Jerusalem

Lights Tour JLM Across the city When evening falls, Jerusalem lights up and illuminated tours take place across the city. The Lights Tour JLM leads visitors aboard a tour bus through 11 major sites, notably the Western Wall, the Knesset and the Old City walls. The tour stops three times for passengers who wish to alight: first at the YMCA building and King David hotel, then at the Russian Compound, and finally, beside the Mount of Olives. At each stop, tours of that specific neighborhood are also available. Tours take place on Mondays and Thursdays until December, between 19:30 and 21:30. pami.co.il/en The Center for Arts and Culture Old Shaare Zedek Founded in 1902, Shaare Zedek was the first hospital to be built outside the city walls. Transferred to a new location in 1980, it then served as the headquarters of Israel’s national public broadcasting corporation until recently. Purchased of late by the Israel-Canada real estate investment group, it is set to become a luxury boutique hotel. But until works and construction begin, the building has been donated to the community to serve as an arts and culture center. Events and exhibitions regularly take place, and artists, musicians and designers are invited to take up residence in the old hospital rooms. Art and visual installations now adorn the old hospital walls and corridors, and Judaica symbols have been frescoed onto the old synagogue ceiling. Workshops are regularly organized, and a pizzeria and beer bar is open to all visitors. 161 Jaffa Street, new-spirit.org.il/he

The New Gate The New Gate (a.k.a. Bab El Jadid) is the Old City’s seventh and lesser-known gate. It was first pierced in 1889, at the behest of the city’s Christian community, to facilitate the comings and goings of the inhabitants and pilgrims needing to reach the Chapel of Notre Dame and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Lately, after years of neglect, the gate area has undergone thorough refurbishments, to the delight of locals and tourists alike. The street beside it is filled with artists’ studios, shops, and cafés, including ceramicist’s George Sandrouni’s studio and workshop, pastry chef Abu Sir’s patisserie where among other delicious offerings you’ll find a raspberry and pistachio ganache, as well as new café and bookshop “The Gateway”, Armenian restaurant “Yereva” and “The Taboon Wine Bar” café. thenewgate.co.il

18 ATMOSPHERE OCTOBER 2022

Photos: Ariela Afllalo