After rainy days the past two days, we scored a beautiful, dry day today (Sunday). The air was clear and crisp, making it a great day to be out and about in Jerusalem! Thanks for your prayers!

Our day began a half hour early with an appointment at the Israeli Knesset (parliament). After passing through security, we headed for the lobby where we were met by our Knesset guide, Moshe. The Philadelphian was humorous as well as knowledgeable. He first told us how Israel’s parliament works, then took us to a replica copy of the Declaration of Independence. Along the way, we also saw the Reception Hall where dignitaries are met. In that hall are gigantic weavings of Marc Chagall’s paintings. The tapestries are beautiful, but very “busy” and somewhat difficult to find all the significant depictions.

We heard the history behind the Chagall artwork, then headed to the Knesset chambers. The Knesset was not in session today, so the place was empty…but very impressive for those seeing it for the first time. We were seated in the VIP boxes, where Trump’s cabinet members and Elon Musk were seated when President Trump spoke recently in the Knesset.

On a normal working day, the president of the Knesset (similar to the US Speaker of the House) sits on the rostrum running the proceedings. At the center the horseshoe of desks sits the prime minister, flanked by his cabinet on his right and left sides. The coalition sits to the right (while facing the rostrum) and the opposition sits to the left. Very lively debate has been known to happen here.

Israel has both a prime minister and a president, with the prime minister tasked with running the government and the president tasked with representing Israel’s best interest as an ambassador to other dignitaries. He has no vote in the Knesset, but has his own section on the far right of the VIP level.

It was a very enlightening experience and once back outside, it was time for a group photo:

Outside the Knesset grounds stands a large menorah given by Great Britain. Near there, protesters camp out indefinitely trying to make their points clear.

We ended our time in the municipal district praying together for Israel, the leadership, the soldiers and for peace.

That’s a lot of info and pictures, but there is more. Check back a bit later for news from the remainder of the day!