From Jerusalem | AdventAI

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jun 11, 1896

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 22, No. 23.

FROM JERUSALEM.

From a dear Christian friend in Jerusalem, we have received a letter from which we take the liberty to present before our readers the following facts:—

Dear Brother: Your kind letter is received. I wish I had some good news to write to you. It is quiet just now; but every one is expecting more trouble. We are in a state of anarchy, with but little hope of improvement. During the month of March there were robberies every night. The poor Jews suffered the most. Whole shops were cleaned out, houses entered, and all the household goods taken away. One man, a Greek, was robbed and murdered on the Jaffa road. Another, an American, in the same way. One poor Jew was found in a cistern after three days’ disappearance.

Miss——, at the little —— mission in Bethany, was assaulted and her throat cut, but not fatally. The lady who was with her had her hand cut nearly in two, and was beaten terribly—all for money. One of the robbers was apprehended, as he jumped out of a window and broke his leg, and he could not escape.

Last week all the consuls met to consider the matter. A committee was appointed to wait upon the pasha to see what could be done to save the poor Jews; and he has agreed to light the streets and put watchmen there well armed. The people must pay, each family about twelve cents a month.

There is quarantine in Egypt now, and we hear that many are dying of cholera. Our mails are thus delayed, and tourists who visit Egypt must go into quarantine. There are many German tourists here now, and next week three hundred and fifty French people will arrive.

Father Hyacinth left Jerusalem this morning. He has been on a crusade trying to unite all the sects, Jews included, but he seems to have wasted all his powers in the desert air.

The Germans are building a splendid church on the land which was presented to the Emperor Frederick some years ago. The present Emperor William will be present, it is expected, at the dedication next year.

Yesterday was the anniversary of the opening of Simon’s Tomb. He is called Simon the Just, and is greatly honored by Jews, Christians, and Moslems. He was the last of the Sanhedrin, and came from Babylon. His tomb is in the Valley of Jehoshaphat, where there are thousands of old Jewish tombs. There were many thousands of people there yesterday, representing all nations and all religions. This old tomb contains a spring of cool water, from which all the people crave a drink. [Would they might all crave a drink of the Fountain of Life.—Ed.] It is a Jewish yearly festival, and they make the day pleasant for all.

We hear this morning that Baron Hirsch is dead. It is a day of mourning for the poor Jews; he was so good to them, and there is no one to take his place.

May the dear Lord reward and bless all your labors of love for him.

And may God bless all those in Jerusalem who are endeavoring to hold up the light of life in the prevailing darkness.