OK - I know...

This may not really be a big deal for a lot of you - but we had snow on the ground this morning when we awoke!

This is the first time in 4 years we have had a blanket of white...

It was nice enough in the morning to go out and some parts so a little more snow during the day.

Right now, most of it has slushed away... but it's below freezing, so it's possible we could get some more.

So Chuck (Freeby) - finally snow has indeed fallen upon Jerusalem - and thats news!

Brian Bush Middle East Corespondent LeSEA Broadcasting

Hi Everybody!

Let's talk about my home - Jerusalem.

There is no question as to the complexity of it's history, spirituality, and present day reality.

Some people refer to it as a divided city. Some go even further to say that it rests upon a divided land. I won't get into all that because for me, I move from side to side and interact with all it's peoples. Perhaps this is reflective of my desire to see a sense of oneness settle amidst her walls...

There's no avoiding the sense of separation I suppose, for in the Old City, it's areas are divided into the Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian quarters. And when you visit – each one contains sites holy to myriads across the planet – along with a good slice of humanity too.

Jerusalem is of course connected to the Jewish people with their rich narrative throughout this land. The Wailing Wall (Western Wall) is Judaism's holiest site, once being part of Herod's reconstructed wall to the temple compound. Islam's third holiest shrine is a mere 50 yards away where Muslims believe the prophet Mohammad came with his winged horse. And there is of course no denying the significance of Jerusalem for Christians as the Lord of Heaven and Earth walked these streets and was crucified outside the city walls.

During Easter, here I often have this picture of Mary Magdalene running through the narrow winding streets going up and down the hills on her way to share the good news that she had seen Jesus alive!

Because of all this significance to all these peoples, both here and abroad, control of the city is one of the toughest challenges to it's prosperity.

Even among this uneasy coexistence, many just want to see peace come – including myself. But perhaps parallel to Jesus' day, people are looking for a different kind of solution to peace – and maybe Jerusalem again won't recognize the good within her and the One who came to gather her.

Brian Bush Middle East Correspondent LeSEA Broadcasting

Good Day Everyone!

On yesterdays show Chuck Freeby said I'd keep you informed about the unrest in and around Jerusalem so lets do just that!

Today is called 'Jerusalem Day'. The day's activities are centered around a parade – which this year is broken up into two different routes. The two streams of people will meet in the center of West Jerusalem and flow together through town.

This year there are 20,000 police on duty accompanying what is projected to be a crowd of over 50,000 participants. Part of the reason is the unrest of late, and part of the reason is that one route goes through a predominately Arab neighborhood where recently Arab families were expelled from their homes and Jewish settlers moved in. Now the municipality has planned Jewish housing units at the sites.

This is what lies behind the claim of the Palestinians and the Arab world that Israel is seeking to 'Judiaize' East Jerusalem – and is part of the core of the unrest we've seen the last few days.

Although the incidents in and around the Temple Mount (or the Haram El-Sharif to Muslims) are drawing the main focus in the western world because of the site's sensitivity – the rest of the Middle East is upset that Israel is taking more lands, and expanding their presence among the Arab sectors – all this, when people are talking about peace negotiations and a final settlement that supposedly will draw borders between Israel and a future Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as it's capital.

So naturally on a day like this, with the emotions running high, in the press and on the TV are the claims of both sides over their perceived rights and predictions over what will be – either this way or that, for Jerusalem.

So what's it like on the ground in the Old City? Well... it's crowded with people – visitors and residents alike! But up above shutters the blades of the police helicopter as it circles overhead keeping watch for those who may wish to disrupt the day.

Jerusalem is like this... so complicated – and so celebrated.

Brian Bush Middle East Corespondent LeSEA Broadcasting

Hi Folks!

Thank you to those who have written with their reflective comments about the blogs – it's wonderful to have the interaction and to share. It's impossible for me to know or comment about everything that's out there - and you are helping to bridge that - which is why I enjoy hearing from you!

Today here, for Israelis, is called Jerusalem Day – a day emphasizing a united Jerusalem. And in light of the news of yesterday with the alleged plans of the Obama administration for Peace here in the Middle East, it's a particularly 'charged' day.

Many editorials and media commentaries are along the lines of the city losing it's symbolic significance – hence the struggle of many over it's geographic integrity.

But some are saying that the important battle is not over Jerusalem's stone – but rather it's place in Israelis' lives – in their hearts.

For a lot of Israelis, the issue of sovereignty over Jerusalem symbolizes the revival of the Jewish people to the land of Zion. Therefore, when one speaks about sharing parts of the city, there's a problem.

Mr. Obama has moved into the annals of history with his accomplishments in becoming President of the United States. It may be that he will be wishing to solidify his history further by securing what many before him have sought – that comprehensive peace deal for the Middle East. There are different groups in Israel who will welcome his momentum and push for peace, and there are others who will oppose such a plan as has been speculated thus far.

As I went around the Old City today and witnessed all the flag waving and guiding – my mind went back to another comment in the Israeli media (by a Jewish person) that spoke about a Jerusalem under Jewish control, and that for some this is more important than making the city a spiritual home for the Jewish people. The author was emphasizing the aspect of Jerusalem's place in man's heart and mind – and that reminded me about Jesus and His words...

Lets place importance upon the throne of our heart and who sits upon it, lets remember Who our City of Refuge and Tower of Strength Is, and Who's mind we should thus have, as we await the great City of God.

Everyone be encouraged - we have a great Hope – Who leads us in the ways of Peace!

Brian Bush Middle East Correspondent LeSEA Broadcasting

Good Day Everyone,

Well - there is so much that one could write about today.

There are the comments about Hamas's leadership recognizing Israel's existence if it be on the 1967 lines.

And there is the 13th anniversary of Prime Minister Yitzak Rabin's assasination with all it's projections and controversial sound bites.

And we also have the fact that it was this day that saw the close of one of the worlds' darkest periods - the First World War.

But perhaps the one item today that I would comment about is the election in Jerusalem for the office of Mayor.

This contest has been portrayed as the secular vote verses the religious vote. This is perhaps due in part because the outgoing Mayor was a Haredi (Religious Jew) man who many in the city where not pleased with.

The election has taken on a real sense of purpose because this city, as unique and special as it is, was ranked the lowest in livability in all of Israel. This includes everything from air quality to education - and all this from Israeli sources who released the reports and studies this week.

But of course because it is Jerusalem it can not escape controversy as the Arab residents, who make up roughly one third of the residents of the city, largely will boycott the election as has always been in the past. This in protest of the political situation.

So who is up for the Office?

We do have another Religious candidate who, ironically ran a slogan that he wanted to attract secular people to Jerusalem. He could win if the religious communities unite their vote for him.

We have the secular candidate who has pledged to construct 10,000 homes for Jewish settlers right smack in one of East Jerusalem's Arab neighborhoods. He is slightly ahead in the polls but could loose to low voter turnout.

And to add a little international flare we also have a Russian Billionaire who has been very generous in helping many of the diverse and needing communities of Jerusalem. He is the long shot in this race.

Lastly, we have the symbolic candidacy of a Christian Arab. He, respectfully, will not have the opportunity to pass the threshold.

Polls are open all day and into the night. When I wake up tomorrow I will have one of my news stories to cover with Chuck on the Harvest Show, so stay tuned to hear the results and analysis!

See you then,

Brian

Good Day Every One!

It seemed that Chuck was excited to hear about the discovery that was announced yesterday here in Jerusalem - so lets talk a bit more about it!

This unearthing has been going on for about a year and a half, and what it has revealed is bits of two walls, one of which is from when the city was at its largest, about 2,100 years ago, and the other is from the Byzantine period 400 years later... And I pass by it multiple times a day.

It is located on the southern part of Jerusalem on Mt. Zion.

Who built the older wall? Probably the Hasmonean Kings just before the time of Christ. We know this because of comparison – and when you do compare you discover some very interesting points!

You see there is a tower located amidst the wall. What is left of it stands about 10 feet high. It is built on bedrock which was straightened and made level and of course is constructed of large stones that are characterized by the broad border at their edges. They have no bonding material such as plaster or ancient forms of cement between them.

The construction method used in building the tower is consistent with other bits of Hasmonean construction from that period. And the tower was part of the line of the "First Wall" that is described by Josephus. He was the Jewish historian who traveled with Titus and witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD by the Romans.

During the Second Temple period it was the Temple itself that was the focal point for Jewish pilgrimage from all over the ancient world. In the Byzantine period, Jerusalem attracted Christian pilgrims who came following the footsteps of Jesus.

One of the exciting things about this discovery is that the two peoples at two periods built their outer defensive walls along the same points because of it's optimal defensive qualities for protecting Jerusalem's south.

And after all these years it is being described by the Israeli Antiquity Authority as "one of the most beautiful and complete sections of construction in the Hasmonean building style to be found in Jerusalem".

What else can I say... Come and see! Go to: www.leseatours.com to find out more!

Brian

Hello Everybody,

Thanks for checking in on today's Blog.

It's a hot day here today! And the Old City is packed with people. Thursdays in the summer months are always a bottleneck here as Jewish families come to celebrate Bar Mitzvahs and Bat-Mitzvahs along with weddings and wedding pictures.

Also traveling the streets and alleys are countless "birthright" groups – bus after bus of Jewish youth who come to Israel to explore their Jewish heritage.

It always makes it difficult for those of us who live in the Old City to carry out our daily lives – you can hardly move – whether it's in your car trying to get out or in the market trying to pick up some fruits.

But facing the fact – some things never change. This city has always been packed with people. Whatever page of history you look at you can find a crowd of people hear – with an exception or two.

Would you like to seeing living history? Touch the stones of scripture? You can join up on our LeSEA tour group coming up this fall. It will be in November when it isn't as hot as it is now – and you will have the chance to see what I see everyday here in the Land of the Bible.

Come be inspired by the stones that cry out! Go to www.leseatours.com for more info.

Hope to see you in November!

Brian

Well – as Chuck asked – here are my thoughts on being back in this special place called Jerusalem.

First of all - Thank you to those who checked into the blog while I was away! Now that I am back we'll be sharing thoughts from Jerusalem regularly again.

In a way I have several feelings circulating through my mind after the Feed The Hungry trip to Africa.

Foremost is the fact that FTH is doing a great job in so many different places – literally world wide! But down in Africa it really was something to see the improvements that were made in both facilities and distribution and to see the lives that are being helped because of caring folks who want to make the difference in the lives of these children.

If you don't know a lot about the work of FTH check out: www.feedthehungry.org

The other thing is the great emphasis not only on feeding the stomach of these kids – but also feeding their souls. What a great need – and what a great way! I suppose that is where the tie in is to being back in Jerusalem.

Where ever we are – whoever we come into contact with – whenever we can, our mandate as believers in the Gospel is to share it. We also must be prepared to help our fellow man.

Now God helped jumpstart that process at Pentecost here in Jerusalem. You remember it was here where Jewish men where gathered from all over the Mediterranean to celebrate the holiday when God pushed forth His message of redemption through the languages of these travelers.

Everyday as I walk the narrow streets and go up and down the countless steps of the Old City I hear the languages of the world. My prayer is that God may meet these good people here – and bring them, and their friends and family back home – closer to Him.

I can not feed these people food, but I can pray! This is the only way I can help to feed the souls of the countless masses who pass through Jerusalem.

Join me – in supporting the fine work of FTH, and in praying for God to meet all of mans' needs!

Thanks for your time,

Brian

Hi Everyone,

Well – today's life in Jerusalem is like this: there are plenty of folks out to keep our upcoming LeSEA group company – and even better – the weather has cooled back down!

Yesterday was like an oven but today we have some clouds and a good strong cool breeze.

What do we do over here to keep cool in the desert heat of the summer?

If you live in the Jewish quarter you probably have air conditioning. But the rest of us in the old city do things like putting water on courtyards and hanging wet sheets or towels near doorways and windows,

For our family, we have these really thick walls we live in. They are more than a yard wide! These Mamluk built walls insulate from the heat and also keep us warm in the winter – they are great!

Like other Mediterranean cultures, some folks close up their businesses and head home for a few hours during the hottest part of the day. Others, who may be peddling their wears, keep moving with the shade as the sun crosses the sky.

Many people are envious of our high desert weather, all without humidity, but you have to love an environment that doesn't see much rain. It really only rains here for about 5 or 6 weeks a year.

Some believe that during Biblical times some people say the environment was a bit greener – and therefore less hot. But all this has changed through centuries of 'scorched earth' policies applied by occupying armies.

But when you come here today you will see that some areas have re-grown with the help and aid of many who care about this hot and holy land.

Thanks for checking in, and we'll see some of you soon!

Brian