Though over the years I’ve become somewhat cynical and critical of what takes place inside those walls, the visually-challenged Israeli Legislator building has – also – been part of my childhood background scenery. Located about 20 minutes walk from my parents house, I could see the Knesset across the Valley of the Cross (Emek Hamatzlevah) on the many strolls I did around the Rehavia neighborhood.
Oddly enough, I’ve never really been to the Knesset. Even stranger, I can’t remember being anywhere near it. So in one of my recent visits to Jerusalem, my mother took it upon herself to show me around, me feeling like a tourist in my former home. It was a weekend, so the place was closed (-phew-), but I still have something to show you from our short stroll…
What does the Israeli Knesset usually do? Not much, according to most, but – still… (Wiki source) :
The Knesset is the unicameral legislature of Israel. The legislative branch of the Israeli government, the Knesset passes all laws, elects the President and Prime Minister (although the latter is ceremonially appointed by the President), approves the cabinet, and supervises the work of the government. In addition, it also recommends a candidate for the State Comptroller to the President, who appoints someone to the post. It also has the power to waive the immunity of its members, remove the President and the State Comptroller from office, remove a Prime Minister convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude, and to dissolve itself and call new elections. The Prime Minister may dissolve the Knesset. However, until an election is completed, the Knesset maintains authority in its current composition. The Knesset is located in Givat Ram, Jerusalem.
There are a few things tourists to the complex like to see. Take for example, this Knesset Menorah, design borrowed from the Arch of Titus in Rome which was said to be copied from the second temple Menorah. You might notice it has 7 "fingers" or lamps, symbolizing the days of the week (or human knowledge / planets / or anything else you’d like that has the number 7 in it), but other than that – it’s a symbol – you can see it on money bills, postage stamps and various other government related artifacts.
This wall is the obligatory reference to the Holocaust…
And this one… I’m not too sure about.
Nearby, is a rose park, which my old beloved dog used to enjoy with my mother many good years ago …
A fine place for some toilet relief, no doubt.
Down the block, past the new court house, is the Bell Park, where I used to play some basketball…
Not bad, as far as childhood neighborhood and old memories go, you’d have to admit. Thank, mom.
If for some unexplainable reason you somehow feel like going into the Knesset, check the guidelines from their official website.