Jerusalem - City of Gold

"It took just 6 days for God to create
 His wonderful world - so big - so great
 On the 7th day - He had a rest -
 He'd worked so hard - He'd done his best
 He settled back and looked to see,
 "I need a city.. One that's just for Me"
 And as He watched in His new setting sun
 His eyes looked down on Jerusalem.."
 
 Nikki Katz (9)
 
 Jerusalem!
 
 The news will depict the old city as a place of war. Conflict. Bloodshed.
 
 A place where cultures clash, and old and new don't tolerate one another.
 
 A place of political turmoil. Of suicide bombers. Of death..
 
 But there is another Jerusalem.
 
 A city old and rich in culture, steeped in the golden light of God's eye as He watches with a fierce love, and I know that His city will for all times be a very special place.
 
 From Hillel Street and it's quaint coffee bars to the Holy sites where Jew, Christian and Moslem seek and find their roots, to the Mount of Olives where one can stand and look out over the peach coloured Jerusalem stone buildings, the city is incomparable.
 
 A trip to the Old City, and a delightful barter with Arab stall sellers, and the joy of walking back to ones residence carrying a basket of fragrant smelling fruit and succulent vegetables from the suk.. ahh.
 
 What can compare?
 
 I bump shoulders with Haredi Jews, bearded Greek Orthodox Priests and bare bellied tattooed American teenage girls. There are old and young, firm and infirm - all on their own private mission.
 
 The presence of soldiers is but a comfort to me.
 
 I contemplate their absense.
 
 I know in time they will be, but for now I see them as warriors of Biblical times, fierce in their desire to protect Go's chosen city.
 
 It's all good..
 
 God chose well.
 
 Jerusalem - City of Gold..
 
 About The Author
 
 Gill Katz
 Journalist
 Johannesburg, S Africa
 gillkatz@telkomsa.net