Ramla 's known for its White Tower, Lydda (Lod - modern name) is home to the israeli Ben-Gurion international airport.
(Pls. type the name Ramla in the search box, and you get to my posts on the White Tower and the Ramla-Lod market).
The White Tower of Ramla
Both towns have a significant arab minority (centered mainly around the old part of the city), and that expresses itself in the history, religion, architecture, and culinary aspects of the place.
muslim women at Ramle open market
Despite their central position ,interesting history, several touristic attractions, and a famous market - non-residents keep away from visiting the two towns, unless strictly neccessary. The reason - violence - as a result of drug transactions , and/or aimed against arab women, on the ground of protecting 'family honor' . Sometimes, an innocent passerby might get hurt or even killed during a murder deed or a fight.
Yesterday, I went to Lod by train, and from the train station took the bus to the old town. This part of town has a bus terminal, a small city market which gets bigger on Tuesdays with the addition of a flee market, religious institutions, archeological remains.
It was at midday, the heat was scorching and as I was dressed in black I totally attracted the sun rays. Not a very pleasant feeling.
city market - apparently renovated
city market
at the end of market street - an in indian jewish synagogue
across the synagogue - the ruins of an ancient soap factory
the 3-language explanatory tin sign near the soap factory
back to back ; mosque in the background
the alley - tourists in and out of the greek church
door of the greek church; above, stone plate with greek inscription
Coexistence of religions gives much hope. A bit further, near the mosque there is a church and a synagogue. The last two even have a common wall!! Peace and coexistence are said to reign in this place. Nice, isn't it?
In spite of technology and education, the issue of family 'honor killing' (domestic violence) is still valid. Rumors can be enough to tarnish family reputation, and trigger an honor killing .
In March this year, a bride- to- be was shot and killed in Lod,one day before her wedding! How very tragic!
young muslim woman in jeans and...head cover - in Lod
muslim girls chatting in Ramla's covered market.
There were several tiny things on my route that brightened up reality:a painted plant pot, a mural with a camel at the bottom of a building, a painted phone cable box, an old building with some special windows, a nice door gate.
plant pot outside the church's door
painted phone cable box
lively mural with camel and sands
beautiful black gate door
old structure with interesting window design
At the end of the tour, before heading home, I treated myself to a turkey meat schawarma (schawarma - meat roasted on a revolving spit, and then 'shaved' to be put with salad, hummus, tachine, fries in a pita/baguette/lafa/or on a plate.). Life is good!