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About The Journey to Jerusalem

After the destruction of the Second Temple, in the year 3830 [70 AD], the Jewish people were dispersed among the countries of exile, where each community adapted to traditions that were unique to that location. Each community and family has a special story, lasting generations, but all have one common thread: we all left from Jerusalem and we have all returned home.

For more than a decade, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation has been studying the various routes travelled by these Jewish groups until their return to Jerusalem and the establishment of the State of Israel. The findings of this study have been made available to the general public in the Journey to Jerusalem – an exciting interactive experience that enables viewers to follow their ancestors through the Diaspora, on their journey back to our nation’s eternal capital. This incredible project and experience has been possible by the generosity of the Schottenstein Family.

The Journey to Jerusalem takes place in a special room that was recently exposed in the Western Wall Tunnels, in a building previously used as part of a Mamluk inn. For 50 minutes, you can follow historical events, from the destruction of the Temple until our return to Jerusalem and its reconstruction in modern times, through an interactive program that includes dozens of video clips. You will experience the events and sense the dilemmas of Jews in various countries and throughout history while you encounter critical points in time along this journey when serious decisions had to be made. You will make decisions, such as your forefathers did, about whether or not to stay where you are or continue wandering. Throughout the experience, you will see that Jerusalem was never far from the hearts of minds of Jews no matter where they were in the world.

The Western Wall Heritage Foundation is proud to present this incredible experience following many years of research and archeological excavations, ending with three years of production and editing. The Journey to Jerusalem was opened to the general public in 2015. The Journey is suitable for the entire family. We recommend combining your visit to the Journey to Jerusalem with a tour of the Western Wall Tunnels and/or the Chain of Generations, which are all in close proximity.

The Journey to Jerusalem is presented in Hebrew and English. Reservations must be made in advance and fees paid at the entrance.

Come and experience the exciting historical journey, as your ancestors did, and navigate your way home to Jerusalem.

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Amis et frères juifs résidents en France vivants en ces derniers temps des jours compliqués de violence et de saccages , nous vous invitons à formuler ici vos prières qui seront imprimés et déposées entre les prières du Mur des lamentations .