After we left Nazareth, we were on our way to Jerusalem. We checked in at the Notre Dame Monastery and Guest House across from the Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem. We had been invited by Rt. Rev. Riah to another graduation, this time at the St. George School in Jerusalem. He had special seats reserved for us in the front rows. It was a beautiful day and the Arabic music that was playing was quite moving.

When Rt. Rev. Riah began addressing the distinguished guests who were there, he also addressed and welcomed Vassula as “Sister Vassula.” There were many representatives from the different Christian denominations as well as Moslems since both Christian and Moslem students attend the school.

Right Reverand Riah and Vassula at the graduation in Jerusalem

We then ended our day with our meeting with Rabbi Alon Goshen-Gottsein, the Director of The Elijah Interfaith Institute. He spent a couple of hours speaking with Vassula at the Notre Dame Hotel. They spoke about Vassula’s guardian angel Daniel, I AM, the intimacy of God the Father, Satan, Unity, Prophecies, Patriarch Bartholomew. He was very interested in listening to Vassula. He asked her about others who are authentic. I was observing and it was as if they were already familiar with one another. He appeared to be very comfortable and it was amusing how they were at times even humorous with one another.

Vassula and Rabbi Alon Goshen-Gottstein, Ph.D in Jerusalem

Monday, May 30, 2005, was a marathon day of meetings. Vassula was invited to have lunch in Bethlehem (which means House of Bread) at the Sisters of Emmanuel. We crossed the border on foot from Jerusalem into Bethlehem because at the check point our car was not allowed to go through. We showed our passports and the guards let us walk through. It was a strange feeling walking across the border by the wall that has been built. We felt such a strong sense of division. No one can imagine the height of the wall until one is standing there in person.

Wall in Bethlehem

Vassula with the Sisters Emmanuel in Bethlehem