This is a picture of the Zion Gate, which is located on the south-western side of the old city . It is one of the gates that lead to the Jewish quarter and to the Western Wall. In the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the Palmach (Israelis) gained control of the Jewish Quarter via the Zion Gate. The stones surrounding the gate were pockmarked by weapons fire and bullet holes that are still visible today. This gate faces the hill called Mount Zion, and 500 yards away is the entrance to Jerusalem University College. I am planning to go in and out of this gate often!
Here's a pic of Mount Zion and of Jerusalem University College, which will be my home from Jan.25th - May 3rd, 2012. You can click on the photo to see it larger. In the top left corner, you see the walls of the old city. The church with the tower, the highest point in the photo, is Dormition Abbey, the site of David's tomb and the Upper Room. Just below that, the structure you see is Jerusalem University College where I will be studying.
