Lexicon

Assembly established by the Yishuv in 1920 to represent the Jewish community in Palestine. Also known as the Jewish National Council (JNC), the Vaad Leumi was formed the same year as the Histadrut and the Haganah. In 1920, the JNC comprised 314 elected representatives and had many roles throughout the three decades of British rule in Palestine. It was involved in education, culture, local government, welfare, healthcare, religious service, security, and defense. It also managed relations with Palestinians, the Jewish Agency, and the Colonial British Mandate government. By May 14, 1948, it was the members of the JNC who ratified the proclamation of the establishment of the State of Israel and who formed the provisional government of the new state.  

A historic route in the Old City of Jerusalem that is traditionally associated with the path many Christians believe Jesus walked on the way to his crucifixion. The name Via Dolorosa is Latin for “Way of Suffering,” “Way of Sorrows,” or “Sorrowful Way.” The route passes through narrow streets and includes a series of stations known as the “Stations of the Cross,” each marking an event connected to the crucifixion narrative in Christian tradition. The route begins by the Lions’ Gate, near the former site of the Antonia Fortress, close to al-Haram al-Sharif, and ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Via Dolorosa is one of the city’s most important Christian pilgrimage routes and is visited by pilgrims and tourists from around the world. Religious processions, especially during Good Friday observances, regularly take place along the route.