“Today I came face to face with 3000 years of history of the Jewish people”

During the tour, the mayor visited the excavations of the Antiquities Authority in the Givati Parking Lot and the excavations of the stepped street within which the Pilgrim’s Road is currently being uncovered. This is the main street of ancient Jerusalem which connected the Pool of Siloam to the Second Temple.

“When I entered the dig, I saw the magnificent paving stones, and I was sure that this was a new paving of recent years. When it became clear to me that I was stepping on the original stones that the pilgrims walked on 2000 years ago, I felt that I was really face to face with the history of the Jewish people. The City of David embodies 3000 years of deep connection between the people of Israel and Jerusalem, and I was very excited to experience this connection in such a tangible way today” said Mayor Leon at the end of the tour.

“This is not the first time I am here, but there is no doubt that each visit moves me anew,” said the mayor to David Barry. “In fact, it is not only your life’s project, but that of the people of Israel, linking our generations to the generations before us, 2000 and 3000 years ago”.

The Mayor of Jerusalem with David Barry. Credit: City of David Archives