Walking in the old city in an area called the Cardo, reminds me that many civilizations have laid seige to this area.  We have been expected to assimilate totally or have been carried off in chains (as what happened after the Roman destruction of Jerusalem), or persecuted for holding fast to our beliefs and way of life.  Yet, here we are today, walking as proud Jews down the very street that was uncovered in the ancient city of Jerusalem when it was under Roman rule!  Am Yisrael Chai!