The original Jerusalem train station was active for more than a century, opening in 1892 and shutting down in 1998. This photo was taken by Eddie Hirschbein in 1957.
The train journey from Jaffa on the coast, all the way to Jerusalem, used to take about four hours! By car, the same journey can be completed in under an hour, and so the old train line to Jerusalem eventually became somewhat obsolete.
To be fair, passengers could at least enjoy some breathtaking views along the way!🤣🛤
This particular train was among those sent from Germany to the young State of Israel in the 1950s, as part of the controversial reparations package provided in compensation for the Holocaust. The German motors, however, had trouble withstanding the Middle Eastern heat, and the trains were constantly out of order.
Today the "First Station" is no longer a transport hub, but rather a popular commercial center where Jerusalemites can enjoy restaurants, shops and public entertainment.
Trains now arrive and depart from the Yitzchak Navon Station, near Jerusalem's western entrance, completing the journey to Tel Aviv in about half an hour.
Photo by Eddie Hirschbein, Bitmuna, the Pritzker Family National Photography Collection at the National Library of Israel.
