Israel’s Tower of David Museum Is Using Virtual Reality to Allow People to ‘Visit’ the Western Wall during Passover
Visitors and Christian travelers will not be able to visit the historic streets of Jerusalem this year as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread around the world.
But visitors may still get a look at the city in April.
According to CBN News, Israel’s Tower of David Museum is using virtual reality to allow people to “visit” the Western Wall during Passover, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher during Easter and a look at the Dome of the Rock and the Al Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan.
The views come from Innovation Lab, which will provide a 360-degree virtual reality experience of both Jerusalem as it is today and a view of how the city looked 2,000 years ago.
“The tours and experiences encapsulate the essence of the innovative vision at the Tower of David Museum – to create a modern, dynamic, unique language for the rich story of Jerusalem,” said Eilat Lieber, director of the Tower of David Museum.
“VR can enable emotions felt as close to possible as when one is physically present. We hope that for those looking for hope in these uneasy times … and for those that might turn to prayer and to Jerusalem – might find a little bit of hope when becoming immersed in the holy city of Jerusalem,” she added.
With the world facing the challenges of the coronavirus outbreak, Lieber says she hopes the virtual tours will be uplifting for people.
“These are challenging times for us all,” she continued. “Millions of prayers and dreams of people from all over the world have been caught between the towers, spires, and domes of the city for thousands of years. The city has given hope and inspiration for centuries.”
The tours will be available online for free starting from the first day of Passover, April 9, through Easter and to the first day of Ramadan, April 24.
Photo courtesy: Anton Mislawsky/Unsplash
Amanda Casanova is a writer living in Dallas, Texas. She has covered news for ChristianHeadlines.com since 2014. She has also contributed to The Houston Chronicle, U.S. News and World Report and IBelieve.com. She blogs at The Migraine Runner.
