Introduction to Jerusalem

Jerusalem.

One the oldest cities in the world, Jerusalem is the stuff of both great dreams and terrible nightmares. Archaeological evidence suggests that Jerusalem, or at least human occupation of the area we now call Jerusalem, began as early as 3000 BCE. Since then, according to historical records, it is estimated that the city has been completely destroyed twice, besieged 23 times, attacked 54 times, and captured and recaptures 44 times.  

One of the holiest cities of the Abrahamic religions traditions, the Old City was designated a World Heritage Center in 1981 and is also on the list of Heritage Sites in danger. 

For Jews, Jerusalem has been the holiest city since, according to the Tanakh, King David established it as the capital of the Kingdom of Israel and his son Solomon commissioned the building of the First Temple. For Christians, Jerusalem has been a holy city, most notably representing the place where Jesus was crucified and resurrected and where Saints identified the pilgrimage sites of Jesus and his disciples. For Muslims, Jerusalem represents the place where the Prophet Muhammad took the Holy Night Journey, to the farthest Mosque, ascending to heaven to speak with Allah and deliver to the faithful the messages of prayer. As one of the focal points of religious traditions, the Old City (in a rough 0.9 square kilometers) is home to many sights of great importance, like the Temple Mount, The Western Wall, The Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Dome of the Rock, and the al-Aqsa Mosque. 

The status of Jerusalem has been one of the most, if not the most, contentious issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Parts of the city were captured and annexed by Israel during the course of the many wars of the Arab-Israeli conflict and currently Western Jerusalem remains in Israeli control with the Eastern half remaining under Israeli military occupation, a position condemned by the UN, the ICRC, the EU and of course the Palestinian Authority, which has also claimed Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. The international community does not recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and no embassies are located there, (embassies are located in Tel Aviv) despite the fact that the Knesset, the Israeli Supreme Courts and Government residences are located in Jerusalem. Jerusalem remains one of the final status issues of the conflict and has been the subject of many bi-lateral talks over the course of the prolonged peace-process. 

Visiting Jerusalem has been a long time dream of mine. As a confused, sometimes heretical, protestant from the United Church, Jerusalem has a religious significance for me as well...although, sometimes I don't know what, or even if that significance exists at all. Jerusalem is a city that I have studied and heard about, in faith, media and academia. To say that my anticipation is extreme would be an understatement. To actually go there in person and experience it first hand? I've got the jitters.

Truthfully, I really don't know what to expect, what I will feel when I get there. It's as terrifying as it is exhilarating. 

One of the members of the village has been kind enough to offer me a ride to Jerusalem. It's up to me to find my way back. We're about 30 or so minutes from the Old City. Everything in Israel-Palestine is super close by road, but you wouldn't want to walk there. I'll be staying for about three days and then coming back to work. Stay tuned for first impressions and adventures from the Holy City. 

Shalom, Salaam, Peace

C.