Yad Yashem: Mt. of Remembrance, near Mt. Herzl. Memorial to
Martyrs and Heroes of the Holocaust. Hall of Remembrance with mosaic floor inscribed
with names of twenty-two largest concentration and death camps under Nazis.
Eternal flame and vault with victims' ashes. Permanent exhibition devoted to
Nazi anti-Semitism and propaganda in the context of the history of the
Holocaust. Pillar of Heroism, 23 m. high with inscriptions recalling deeds of
valour. Central Archives and Library of Holocaust and Jewish Resistance. There
is an art gallery of Holocaust works, as well as various sculptures
commemorating the martyrs. Avenue of Righteous Gentiles leading to memorial
buildings has trees planted in honour of non-Jews who risked their lives to
save Jews. Be sure to visit the Hall of Names, the Children's Memorial and the
Valley of the Communities. The name Yad Vashem comes from Isaiah 56:5. Open: Sun.-Thurs.
9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Fri. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Entrance free.
(Bus Nos. 13, 16, 17, 17a, 18, 20, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 39, 40 to Mt. Herzl)
Y.M.C.A. (West): Rehov David Hamelekh. One of the consequences of the
re-unification of Jerusalem is that the city has two ``Y''s. The one in West
Jerusalem was constructed in 1933 and is acknowledged as the most beautiful in
the world. The bell tower houses the only carillon of bells in the Middle East,
and famous carillon-players often give concerts during the summer. Apart from a
gymnasium, a swimming pool, and other sporting facilities, it also serves as a
moderately priced hotel with a restaurant and a snack-bar. See the city from
the top of the well-known bell tower also see the copy of a 2nd-century mosaic
map of the city. Bell tower open: 9 a.m.-2.30 p.m., entrance fee.
(Bus Nos. 15, 18, 21)
Zedekiah's Cave: This cave acquired its name from the legend that it was
used as an escape route to Jericho by King Zedekiah when he attempted to escape
the Chaldean army at the time of destruction of the First Temple. It is located
below the Old City wall, next to Damascus Gate. The Freemasons call it ``King
Solomon's Quarries'' because they believe it supplied the stone used to build
the First Temple. Stones quarried from the cave were in fact used for important
public buildings in Jerusalem from the First Temple period, and as recently as
the beginning of the 20th century. The cave is about 1,000 metres in
circumference. Sealed by the Turks in 1542, it was rediscovered accidentally in
1854. Entrance fee. Open: 9 a.m.-l p.m.
(Bus Nos. l, 27)
*Zion Gate: leads to Mt. Zion. Damaged by Palmach in May 1948, when
breached to lift siege of Jewish Quarter. Plaque commemorates reopening by
Israel Defence Forces engineers after Six Day War. Battle scars preserved to
record history of the city.
(Walk No. 1. Bus No. l)
Zionist Confederation House Cultural Centre: Emile Botta St. (behind the
King David Hotel). A historic building which has been restored to serve groups
of Israelis and tourists. Programmes consist of lectures, musical performances,
poetry readings, etc. Coffee shop and restaurant.
(Bus Nos. 18, 21)
Zoo: see Biblical Zoo.