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FOREWORD
My Jerusalem...
Many years have passed since I left Jerusalem, but my love for her was never
lost. I am not a native of Jerusalem, but my mother and grandmother were
born in the Old City. From them I inherited my affinity for this city.
In the years I studied in Jerusalem, I versed myself with all her alleys and
institutions, and became acquainted with her veteran residents - rabbis on
the one hand, clerics on the other, businessmen of the Muslim community
alongside members of the Jewish, Armenian, and other communities, young
men and women, students, artisans, and more.
Such is my past, and therefore it is no wonder that the images Avi Roth
photographed between the years 1967-1979 in Jerusalem moved me.
Among the many photographs portrayed in this book, we see… two rabbis
wrapped in prayer shawls arguing among themselves, perhaps about some
Talmudic issue, as they walk behind an Arab man adorned by a kafia headdress.
On one hand, two men wearing shtreimel (Hasidic hats) lead a third rabbi in
support, and on the other hand, Arab women are sitting unassumingly next
to their sparse merchandise in the market. We also see many interesting portraits
of children. Additionally, some beautiful landscapes of the Old City and vicinity
have been included.
This book is an addition to a large collection of books already published about
Jerusalem that can be found in bookcases and libraries. What distinguishes this
book from the others, are the special angles in which these photographs were
captured, and the great interest they arouse in those who view them.
It should be stated that this photographic essay speaks louder than thousands
of words. Blessed be Avi Roth who has presented us with such a beautiful
and important gift.
Dr. Eliyahu Winograd
Former Acting Judge of Israel Supreme Court and President of the Tel Aviv District Court
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