Once Upon a Time in Israel

I went to Israel back in 2007 when I was deployed with the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable).  We went to port in Haifa Israel and I was able to take the trip/tour to Jerusalem.  I didn't know then how lucky I was.  Being born Jewish and raised in the religion (at least for a little while), but I knew I had to go to Jerusalem.  Below are some photos I took when there, mind you this was with absolute ignorance of what was contained in both the Old and New Testament.  Little did I know about two weeks later, I would be back doing Fleet Support to the President of the United States of America in his visit to Israel and Palestine.  So I took the ground tour, then as you'll see in some of the pics, I took the aerial tour which was awesome!  

Some of the key things I have photos of that are of historical, biblical and faith based significance are as follows in no specific order:

The Garden of Gethsemane
The Basilica of the Agony
The Rock of the Agony
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The Calvary or Golgotha (Site of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ)
The Stone of Anointing
The Tomb of Absalom (King David's Son)
The Western Wall
The Dome of the Rock

I may not have known why, but I knew it was important to go on this "tour" and document what I saw.  I didn't know then, but I know why it was important now. 

I don't remember exactly where we were, I think just outside the Garden of Gethsemane by the Old Cemetery, and we were told that this is Absalom's (the son of King David) Tomb.

The long skinny building in the center/top is the Church of the Ascension.  It is said that this is where Christ ascended to heaven, and there is a footprint enshrined in there.  Unfortunately we did not get to go there.

Outside of the entrance to the Garden of Gethsemane

Olive tree's inside the Garden of Gethsemane

Going into the Basilica of the Agony

The front Mural of the Basilica of the Agony

Inside the Basilica of the Agony

The Rock of the Agony

When we were at the Basilica of the Agony we had a great view of the Old City, including the Dome of the Rock.

Israeli Flag of the Lion Of Judah when we were walking into the Old City of Jerusalem.

At the Western "Wailing" Wall 

I said a prayer for my Father and some other family members to include my new born son (at the time I hadn't even met him).  This was considered a pilgrimage for me being born Jewish, going to the Western Wall and saying a prayer is a big deal.  I'm glad I did it, and to my knowledge I am the only one in my family to have ever made it there.

The Arch-gate entrance to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The artwork within the Church told the story

The Calvary (site of the Crucifixion)

The plate under the picture has a hole in it where you can see down into the stone.  It is said this was the spot of Jesus' Crucifixion.

Closeup of the hole in the plate, you can get up close and look down to see the rock underneath, I'm sure it went down way further as the Church was built on the mount

Inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The artwork depicting the anointing/cleansing of Jesus' body prior to his burial/entombment.  

The Stone of Anointing

I had a Cross of Jerusalem anointed for my wife

The Edicule is the shrine that is traditionally said to house the cave in which Jesus was buried and resurrected.

On the tour while walking in Jerusalem, saw these awesome shirts, I should have gotten the Guns N Moses shirt for sure, oh well.

Now for the tour from the air:

Flying around Israel, way different than seeing it from ground.

In Palestine, President Bush had meetings all over the country, and this was one of the stops.  This support mission was my first exposure to Presidential Support Squadron One (HMX-1).  I would be selected to work there about 10 years later.

President Bush arriving in Bethlehem (Palestine), south of Jerusalem in the West Bank.

Getting ready for take off, and yes President Bush was in that Marine One Helicopter lifting off.

Air Force One hanging out with the mighty Battle Phrog of HMM-261 (REIN)

I don't recall where I was or how I saw this, but I took a photo in passing of this Israeli Naval Vessel which was attacked somewhere else.

One of the most amazing views of the Western Wall and Dome of the Rock from the air

Flying by the Sea of Galilee

Tel Aviv where we stayed while supporting President Bush around the country of Israel

Another view of the Sea of Galilee

President Bush waving at us, this paticular area was funny as we got to hang out with some Israeli Defense Force Personnel and when President Bush was driving past our aircraft, I was from my position his head turn and wave at me.  Then all I hear is Lt. Luke Yosca scream out "Holy shit Sgt Schneider, the President is waving at you"

IDF fellers hanging out

Doing the thing over Israel, what an absolute honor and privilege it was to be in this moment, if only I knew at the time how truly special it was

It was as if God's light was shown in the photo...I remember thinking how special it was at the time, I just did not know he was talking to me

Another shot just seconds later and you can see how the colors change, amazing

President Bush getting into his motorcade, and the lady to the right in the brown suit...yes at the time Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice 

Awaiting the President's return

We were not allowed to leave our aircraft until the President left the area, so we were snoopin and poopin

Flying above Palestine

HMX-1 being towed to the flight line, it was impressive to see how they did business and made me want to work my way to that unit..I did

In the far distance center of the picture is King Herod's Hill.  I know we flew almost directly over it, but I never got a picture.  At the time I had no idea what Herod's Hill was or who King Herod even was.

I hope you enjoyed the photos and some of the little stories.  I can't believe I remember so much, but I guess that was God's plan to show me, and put it in my head, so when I finally understood it would make it even more special to me.