In a country so jealous of borders, they are everywhere, especially in our heads. Mark Friedman has lived in Jerusalem for 40 years. He had never before been to the Arab side of the old city on a normal day.
“I’ve never walked through the Muslim part, except on a Friday night, in the last 40 years. So I chose to do it today, just to take photos and walk around. Normally I wouldn’t do that. It’s empty and quiet,” he tells TSF the Israelite
For Mark it is a rare opportunity to come without fear to photograph this part of the holy city that he does not know.
“I’m taking the day. Things are very calm here. I don’t know if it’s because they don’t want to fire missiles at Jerusalem, because they might hit the Dome of the Rock or the Al Aqsa Mosque. Are they running? Away? No I know,” he speculates.
In this case, trust is widespread. Jews and Palestinians believe that no one will attack this area closest to the Al Aqsa mosque, sacred to both religions. Not only for that, but, despite having an American passport and Canadian ancestry, Mark Friedman is one of those who stay: “I have children here, I have 14 grandchildren here. I don’t want to go anywhere.”
Four children, 14 grandchildren and Mark wants to continue counting them here in Israel.
Source: TSF
