Blog #2

Before I began this reading assignment, I was well aware that one of, if not the most, fascinating aspects of Jerusalem was its intricate history.  In past classes I have read about the many empires and groups that have controlled Jerusalem throughout time.  However, when I came across the quote “in regards to Jerusalem what is considered to be history is not historically verifiable” a light bulb turned on.  Prior to reading this article I was confused how it is possible that the Bible, Gospels, Quran, and other sources can each make the claim that they are responsible for Jerusalem’s history.  I now see that what is responsible for the historical claims made by the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian people is their extremely deep and sacred connection to Jerusalem.  I understand that this deep connection serves as motivation to create strong traditions relating to Jerusalem’s history.  Regardless of whether or not these traditions are completely based on fact, because they are practiced and held so strongly, they create history that is viewed as “verifiable” despite how factual it truly is.  I realize that it is important to keep this in mind as we study the history of Jerusalem and use this information to guide us in to comprehend the current situation. 

In addition to exploring and developing an understanding of the claims relating to the history of Jerusalem, I was fascinated by how rapidly Jerusalem is changing.  The article “Jerusalem then and Now” describes that an observer on an orbit of the earth every 10 years would gasp at the rapid change of Jerusalem.  In the 20^th century Jerusalem would require a yearly observer, in the 1960s a monthly observer, and in the 1980s a stationary observer. This depiction motivated me to gain an understanding of why there has been such a great deal of change recently and where Jerusalem is headed in the near future. 

I began to develop this understanding in “Jerusalem the Holy City Through the Ages” which stated that at the height of the war in 1948 Prime Minister of Israel, David Ben Gurion, declared “Israel is an integral part of the State of Israel and its eternal capital.” After the war in 1949 the Knesset proclaimed Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.  However, stated in “The History of Jerusalem: An Arab Perspective” Jerusalem as Israel’s capital failed to receive international recognition and currently there is hope by Arabs that East Jerusalem will become the capital of Palestinian.  It has been claimed that there simply can be no state without a part of Jerusalem as its capital (Jerusalem Then and Now).  Comparing these 2 statements made by Israelis and Arabs, it is clear to me that both Israelis and Palestinians continue to view Jerusalem as a crucial aspect of who they are. 

The Israeli Jordanian partition of the city between 1948 and 1967 did not help either side of the city flourish. (Jerusalem then and Now) Knowing this, I don’t understand how Jerusalem can serve as a capital for both Israelis and Arabs.  After the 6-day war Jerusalem “with its municipal and political complexities, and became a united city where Jews, Muslims, some secular and some religious could live side by side” (Jerusalem the Holy City through the ages).  Since the partition of Jerusalem did not work in the past,  why is it not enough that Jews and Muslims can live side by side? What else can be achieved? I don’t know how it is realistic to believe that Jerusalem can serve as both the capital of Arab land and Israeli land since the past has pointed to the fact that a partition will not work.  Since there has been so much change in recent days, I am curious what it will take for Israel to shift from its “non negotiable position” and what needs to occur before serious negotiations on Jerusalem can start.