![]() In the past such evident has been ignored “by those who regard the early Hebrews a savages and who think that, though place in the very center of the ancient civilized world between the the Egyptians and Assyrians they were unacquainted with arts” or culture. Unfortunately even now, more than a century later, Israel has not yet reached that stage, although railway development has certainly come a long way in the last 20 years.ġ893: “B’nai B’rith’s Jubilee” published today described the plans that are being for the celebration of “the well-known Hebrew benevolent organization’s” golden anniversary which will take place this October.ġ893: “The Correspondence of 3,500 Years Ago” published today described new information that described the role of clay tablets in ancient Palestine. sitting in the cramped, crowded, scorching compartment was torture." As if that were not enough, when Herzl and his party arrived at the hotel for which they had reservations, it turned out there were no rooms available, as they had been appropriated by Turkish officials and members of the Kaiser's entourage.” As an avid fan of science and technology, Herzl expressed his belief in the future of rail travel when in Altneuland he predicted that by the 1920s there would be high-speed electric railways throughout the country. The Jaffa-Jerusalem railway coaches did not have ashtrays or toilet facilities, and according to Herzl, not even drinking water. Theodor Herzl, who took the train in 1898 on his way to meet Kaiser Wilhelm II, was not very impressed, calling the line a "miserable little railway." It was in stark contrast to the earlier part of his journey, in the luxurious Orient Express, with dining cars and sleeping accommodation. While the first train did reach Jerusalem in August, the official opening would not take place until September of 1892. From there, construction was much more difficult, owing to the mountainous terrain. Despite other problems related to construction crews leaving to tend their crops, and outbreaks of disease in the work camps, work progressed fairly rapidly, and by December 4, 1891, the line had reached Deir Aban (today's Beit Shemesh). Bulky but light articles, such as boiler barrels or water tanks, were thrown into the sea and tugged ashore." The weather also presented difficulties, as heavy rains washed away the jetty, and in some places along the track bridges were destroyed. A report in Railway Magazine said it was "a wonder that all the materials for the railway were safely and without loss conveyed to their destination. The unloading of all this in Jaffa's primitive harbor presented an immense challenge. Hundreds of tons of rails were brought from Belgium, coal from Britain and rolling stock from France. Travis notes that “building the railway was a tremendously ambitious undertaking, considering the local conditions. In writing about the history of the railroad Anthony S. The railway was built in response to the increasing demand of all the pilgrims who began visiting the Holy Land and specifically Jerusalem starting in the middle of the 19 thcentury. May it prove an unmixed blessing." The Jaffa-Jerusalem Railway was the first modern railway line to open in the Middle East. However, the Jewish Chronicle wrote: "The year 5653, which is about to burst upon us, will witness one of the grandest sights that have been known in many centuries. Reactions were mixed, with some local inhabitants declaring it to be the work of the devil. 1892: It was reported today that near Mariapol, Russia a mob ten thousand “terrorized the village killing several Jews” as they expressed their resentment over governmental measures to control cholera.1892: The first passenger train belonging to the Jaffa-Jerusalem Railway arrived in Jerusalem today.
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