Did that guard just move? Here at Herod’s Gate, the centuries seem to melt away. This imposing entrance whispers tales of ancient pilgrimages and fierce battles. While it’s one of the newest gates in Jerusalem’s Old City walls, built in the 16th century, its history stretches back far beyond its Ottoman stonework. Herod’s Gate wasn’t named for the infamous King Herod, but rather a nearby structure believed to be his former palace. The gate’s Arabic name, Bab az-Zahra, meaning “Gate of Flowers,” paints a more tranquil picture. It’s thought to be connected to the nearby cemetery on the Mount of Olives, where those who’d completed the Hajj pilgrimage were laid to rest. This connection to the afterlife gave rise to an older name “Gate of Those Who Do Not Sleep”. The name suggests a watchful presence, guarding not just the city, but the passage into the next life. As you pass through Herod’s Gate, remember, you’re walking in the footsteps of countless souls who’ve sought peace, prayed for deliverance, and left their mark on this eternal city.
African Savannah
Is it possible to imagine the heart of Africa beating in Jerusalem? Right here at the African Savannah in the