The Jews of Israel are currently locked into a conflict with their Palestinian Arab neighbors. While the media bombards us with constant reports of violence in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, there is no doubt that the epicenter of the conflict lies in Jerusalem and more specifically on the Temple Mount in the Old City.
Yasser Arafat constantly repeats that there can be no peace without Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine and total Muslim sovereignty over the Temple Mount. Indeed, the last Camp David Summit floundered over Arafat's uncompromising position on the issue of controlling the site.
Israeli leaders, on the other hand, say that Jerusalem will remain under Israeli sovereignty, even as Barak offered significant autonomy over the Temple Mount and Palestinian Authority control over Arab sections of Jerusalem.
What historical or religious claim do both sides make? Is either party's claim for Jerusalem stronger, or is it merely a case of "might makes right?"
The purpose of this article is not to prove or disprove anyone's claim to Jerusalem, but rather to help clear up some of the fog clouding this controversy and enable us to better understand both the Jewish and Muslim connection to this holy site.
Jewish Spiritual Connection to Jerusalem
To understand the Jewish connection to Jerusalem we must begin with the Jewish Bible. From the Jewish perspective, the area of special holiness is Mount Moriah, today known as the Temple Mount. This area is located beneath the platform on which the Muslim Shrine, the Dome Of the Rock, now stands.
In the Jewish Bible, Jerusalem has many names: Salem (Shalem), Moriah, Jebuse (Yevuse), Jerusalem (Yerushalayim), and Zion (Tziyon). The most common term for the city, Yerushalayim, is mentioned 349 times in the Jewish Bible, while Tziyon is mentioned an additional 108 times.
The earliest mention of the site is Genesis 4:18, when Abraham interacts with Malchizedek, King of Shalem. According to Jewish tradition the story of the Binding of Isaac (Genesis 22:1-19) also takes place in the "land of Moriah" on the site of the present-day Temple Mount. Abraham chooses the site specifically because he sensed how God's presence is strongly connected to this site.
In the Kabbalah, the Jewish metaphysical tradition, the rock of Mount Moriah is known as the "Even Shetiyah" ― the Foundation Stone. This is the metaphysical center of the universe, the place from which spirituality radiates out to the rest of the world.
Later patriarchal stories in Genesis are also connected with the site:
- When Isaac goes out into the fields to pray prior to meeting Rebecca for the first time (Genesis 24:63-67), he is standing on Mount Moriah.
- Jacob's dream of the ladder to heaven with the angels ascending and descending (Genesis 28:10-22) takes place on this site.
We see from here that for thousands of years, the Jewish people have always associated Mount Moriah as the place where God's presence can be felt more intensely than any other place on earth. That is why, for the Jewish people, the Temple Mount is the single holiest place.
This connection is still very much alive and well in contemporary Jewish practice:
- When religious Jews pray three times a day, they always turn toward Jerusalem. (Someone praying in Jerusalem faces the direction of the Temple Mount.)
- Jerusalem is mentioned numerous times in Jewish daily prayers and in the "Grace After Meals."
- Jews close the Passover Seder with the words "Next Year in Jerusalem." These same words are invoked to conclude the holiest day of the Jewish year, Yom Kippur.
- The Jewish national day of mourning, Tisha B'Av, commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples.
- During a Jewish wedding ceremony, the groom breaks a glass as a sign of mourning to commemorate the destruction of the two Temples which stood on Mount Moriah. The breaking of the glass is accompanied by the recitation of part of Psalm 137: "If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I do not set Jerusalem above my highest Joy."
- Religious Jews often keep a small section of one wall in their house unplastered and unpainted, as a sign of mourning for the destruction of the Temple.
Jewish Historical Connection to Jerusalem
The early history of Jerusalem is also rooted in the Bible. In addition to the events already mentioned, the Book of Joshua (ch. 10) describes how Adoni-Tzedek, the Canaanite king of Jerusalem, wages war against the Jews.
During the approximately 400-year period from the entrance of the Jewish people into the land, through the period of the Judges, Jerusalem remained a non-Jewish city. It was not until the reign of King David (ca. 1,000 BCE) that Jerusalem was captured from the Canaanites (2-Samuel 5) and converted into the political/spiritual capital of the Jewish people. (Archaeologists agree that the original Canaanite city and the City of David was located in what is now the Arab village of Silwan, a few meters south of the "modern" walls of the Old City.)
King David purchased the peak of Mount Moriah, as recorded in 2-Samuel 24:18-25.
David purchased the peak of Mount Moriah (2-Samuel 24:18-25) as the site for the future Temple and gathered the necessary building supplies. The Book of 1-Kings (ch. 6-8) describes in great detail how David's son, King Solomon, built and dedicated the Temple: "And it came to pass after the 408th year after the Children of Israel left Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel... that he began to build the house of the Lord" (1-Kings 6:1).
Solomon's Temple is also known as the first Beit HaMikdash (the First Temple). While all archaeologists agree that it stood on Mount Moriah, probably on the site of the present Gold Dome of the Rock, its exact location is unknown.
Four hundred and ten years after its completion, it was utterly destroyed by the Babylonians when they besieged Jerusalem and no trace of it remains.
After the Babylonian destruction, most of the Jewish population of Israel was forcibly exiled from the land. This forced exile on the road to Babylon is mentioned in the famous verse from Psalm 137: "By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down and wept when we remembered Zion."
Fifty years later, after Babylon was captured by Persia, the Jews were allowed to return to Jerusalem. Under the leadership of Zerubavel and Nechemiah, the Jews rebuilt both the Temple and walls around the city (Nechemia 4-6).
During both the First and Second Temple periods, the Temple was the central focus of the Jewish world both in Israel and the diaspora. Its upkeep was paid for by all Jews worldwide. The Kohanim (priests) and Levites served in the Temple, and three times a year ― during the holidays of Passover, Sukkot and Shavuot ― all Jews were commanded to come to Jerusalem and visit the Temple.
This rebuilt temple is known as the Second Temple (Bayit Sheni). It stood for 420 years on the same site as the First Temple, on Mount Moriah. The Second Temple was remodeled several times, but reached its most magnificent form during the reign of King Herod the Great (37-4 BCE). The great Jewish historian, Josephus, who lived during the end of the Second Temple period, gives detailed descriptions of both Herod's construction and the layout of the Temple compound (see "Antiquities" ch. 15 and "Jewish Wars" ch. 5).
The Second Temple period ended with the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE. It is possible that the Jews tried to rebuild the Temple at later periods, but they were never successful, and for over 600 years the site of the Temple Mount lay in ruins. The only remains are the massive retaining walls that encompass Mount Moriah, built by Herod to support the platform on which the Temple stood.
Modern Jewish Connection to Jerusalem
Although the Temple hasn't stood for almost 2,000 years, Jerusalem continues to be the focus of the Jewish world. The Temple may not be there, but Jews believe that the intrinsic holiness of the site always remains. Jewish tradition also maintains that in the End of Days, during the Messianic Era, a third and final Temple will be built on Mount Moriah.
It is often erroneously stated that the holiest site in the world to Jews is the Western Wall. This is incorrect. The holiest spot for Jews is Mount Moriah itself, behind the Wall. The Western Wall is merely a small section of Herod's massive retaining wall and has significance only as it relates to the Temple Mount itself.
So why do Jews pray at the Wall? Since the destruction of the Temple, the Sages decreed that due to the sanctity of the site, Jews (and non-Jews) should not go up on the actual Temple Mount. Therefore, the Western Wall became the site of prayer for Jews wishing to get as close as possible to their holiest site, the Temple Mount. It earned the moniker "Wailing Wall" because Jews coming to this site would shed tears over the loss of the Holy Temple.
Muslim Spiritual Connection to Jerusalem
The Islamic connection to Jerusalem began much later in history, during the 7th century CE. The central personality of Islam, Mohammed, was born and raised in the area of present-day Saudi Arabia and founded Islam in the early 7th century. (The first year of the Muslim calendar, or the Hajira, corresponds to the year 622 CE of the Christian calendar.)
Scholars agree that Mohammed was influenced by Judaism (and Christianity). This influence was significant enough that Mohammed's original plan for the direction of prayer (Qibla) was also Jerusalem. Mohammed later changed the direction of prayer to Mecca in Saudi Arabia ― a place that was converted from a pagan pilgrimage site to the "eternal city," and the center of the Muslim religion. (Muslims also placed Mecca as the spot where Abraham nearly sacrificed Isaac's brother Ishmael.)
Mohammed never made it to Jerusalem, and the word "Jerusalem" appears nowhere in the Koran.
After founding Islam and leading his Islamic armies to victory over his pagan rivals, Mohammed died. Although Mohammed never made it to Jerusalem with his conquering armies, his successor, the Caliph Omar, captured Jerusalem from the Byzantines in 638. When Omar first visited the ruined Temple mount, he deliberately prayed south of the ruins of the Temple, toward Mecca, so that no one should think he was praying in the same direction as the Jews.
The holiest book of Islam is the Koran, which according to Muslim tradition contains the teachings of Mohammed. Unlike the Jewish Bible which contains hundreds of references to Jerusalem, the word "Jerusalem" appears nowhere in the Koran. So what is the Islamic spiritual connection to the site? To answer that question we must understand more of early Islamic history.
Muslim Historical Connection to Jerusalem
By the time the Omar arrived in Jerusalem in 638, the Islamic direction of prayer was toward Mecca, and the two holiest sites, Mecca and Medina were already well-established. Islam, which like Christianity has many of its spiritual roots in Judaism recognized the Jewish connection to the Temple Mount, and one early Islamic name for the Temple Mount was Bayt al-Maqewdis ― literally "Holy Temple." The name used today, al-Quds, is based on the Hebrew word for "holy." Muslims have also used the term Sahyun or Sihyun, the Arabic form of "Zion."
Historians suggest several reasons for the construction of Muslim holy sites on the Temple Mount. The establishment of the Umayyid Islamic Dynasty in 658 corresponds to a period of instability in the Islamic world, characterized by power struggles and assassinations. One of the Five Pillars (commandments) of Islam is Hajj ― pilgrimage to the holiest Islamic city, Mecca. In the late 7th century, the Damascus-based Umayyid Caliphate lost control of Mecca. This need to diminish the importance of Mecca and create an alternative Muslim holy site closer to Damascus may well have pushed the Umayyid Caliph Abd al-Malik, in 688, to begin construction of the Dome of the Rock on the former site of the Jewish Temple.
Another reason suggested by historians for a Muslim presence in Jerusalem is that the Caliph wished to compete with the impressive Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the traditional burial place of Jesus in Jerusalem. It is interesting to note that the present dimensions of the Dome of Rock are identical to those of the rotunda of the Holy Sepulcher.
Yet given that Jerusalem isn't mentioned in the Koran, what is the uniquely Islamic connection to the site? The answer is found in the 17 Sura (chapter) of the Koran. This chapter recounts the story of a dream Mohammed has where he takes a midnight ride (al-Isra) on his flying horse al-Buraq, which had the face of a woman, the body of a horse and the tail of Peacock. The narrative of the Koran in Sura 17 describes it as follows:
"Glory be to Him, who carried His servant by night from the Holy Mosque (in Mecca) to the further mosque (al-masjid al-Aqsa), the precincts of which we have blessed."
The actual location of al-Aqsa (the "further mosque") in Mohammed's dream ride is never mentioned. Some early Muslims understood al-Aqsa metaphorically, or as a place in heaven.
In the late 7th century, the Umayyids claimed that the actual site of al-Aqsa was in fact the Temple Mount. Later the site of al-Aqsa was restricted to the mosque area at the southern end of the Temple Mount (the site of the current Al Aqsa Mosque). The original mosque, probably located on the site where Omar first prayed when he arrived in Jerusalem in 638, was built by the Umayyid Caliph al-Walid in the early 8th century. It was destroyed by earthquakes several times and later rebuilt.
Islam claims that the site of Mohammed's ascension to heaven was a rock atop Mount Moriah.
The narrative of the Koran then describes how Mohammed, having arrived at al-Aqsa, then ascends to heaven (al-Mi'raj ― "the ascension") accompanied by the angel Gibril (Gabriel), where he then traveled around the heavens and spoke with Allah and other prophets. The Umayyids in Jerusalem claimed that the actual site of Mohammed's ascension to heaven was the exposed piece of bedrock at the top of Mount Moriah. Thus Caliph Abd-al-Malik's beautiful Dome of the Rock was built to commemorate the location of this important event.
From 638 CE until 1917 (with the exception of the Crusader occupation from 1099 to 1187), Jerusalem was controlled by various Islamic dynasties based in Syria, Egypt and Turkey. While Jerusalem remained a city of pilgrimage, none of these Islamic dynasties made Jerusalem their capital. The only other people in the last 3,000 years to have Jerusalem as a capital are the Crusaders who founded the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem from 1099-1187.
For most of this 1,300-year period, despite its status as the third holiest Islamic city, Jerusalem remained a backwater, run-down town under Islamic control. Exceptions were during both the Umayyid period (7th to mid-8th century) and the Mamluk period (mid-13th to early-16th century), when major Islamic building projects were carried out in the city.
Modern Realities in Jerusalem
From 1918 through 1948, the Land of Israel was under the control of the British who conquered it from the Ottoman Turks in World War One. The State of Israel was established in 1948, when half of Jerusalem ― including the entire Old City and Temple Mount, was under the control of the Kingdom of Jordan.
During the Six Day War in 1967, Israel captured the Old City and for the first time in over 2,000 years, the Temple Mount was back under Jewish control.
It is worth noting that the inaugural PLO Covenant of 1964 does not mention Jerusalem. Only after the city fell back to Jewish control did the updated PLO Covenant of 1968 mention Jerusalem by name.
Israel handed over control of the site to the Wakf, the Muslim Religious Trust.
One might have expected that the Israelis would immediately expel the Muslims and re-establish control of the single holiest Jewish site. But in an act of what can only be described as unprecedented tolerance, Israel handed over control of the site to the Wakf, the Muslim Religious Trust.
Today, although Israel technically claims sovereignty over the site, the defacto reality since 1967 has been that the Muslims have control over the site, to the point where Jews are forbidden to pray on the Temple Mount (but permitted to visit).
Conclusion
Within the Hebrew word Jerusalem is contained the word for peace ― shalom. Jerusalem is often referred to as the City of Peace. It is ironic that this city sits at the heart of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
There are no simple solutions to complex problems, especially when religious beliefs and national identities are at stake. But only through an objective understanding of the intricacies that surround the history of Jerusalem, can we hope to arrive at a just and lasting solution.
Sources And Suggested Reading
Bahat, Dan. The Illustrated Atlas of Jerusalem. New York: Simon & Shuster, 1990
Ben-Dov, Meir. In the Shadow of the Temple Mount ― The Discovery of Ancient Jerusalem. New York: Harper and Rowe, 1982
Gil, Moshe. A History of Palestine, 634-1099. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1992.
Mazar, Benjamin. The Mountain of the Lord ― Excavating in Jerusalem. Garden City, New York: Doubleday and Co., 1975.
Murphy-O'Connor, Jerome. The Holy Land ― An Oxford Archaeological Guide from Earliest Tines to 1700. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998.
Prawer, J, and Ben-Shammai, H. The History of Jerusalem ― The Early Muslim Period 638-1099. New York: New York University Press, 1996.
Shanks, Hershel. Jerusalem ― An Archaeological Biography. New York: Random House, 1995.
(65) Roy, August 18, 2020 6:00 AM
When God says something it will happen. Daniel makes mention of a temple that would be decorated.during Jacobsctroubles .I believe with all my heart that not to far from now the third temple would be built. The city of God will be handed to the jews.they as His people.God never goes back on his word
(64) Tuala Thomas Stancil, December 20, 2018 6:44 PM
The Arabs have no right whatsoever in Jerusalem and they know that if they want a capital use Bethleem.
(63) joanne, April 26, 2013 3:33 AM
Justice will one day prevail for the Jewish people
I also stand as a friend of Israel. I am a Catholic and strongly say, The Jewish religion is one of the most sacred and beautiful I have ever known. They will be redeemed. The Temple will be rebuilt. God promised them this land, He will return it to them. Faith sustains.
(62) Dian, February 1, 2013 11:30 PM
hpoelful
Nice job
(61) Bill, November 30, 2012 6:13 PM
Palestinian identity
I have been reading recently that a certain Arab speaker is claiming the Palestinians are descendants of the Canaanites who inhabited the land before the Jews took it over, and that these Canaanites originally came from Arabia. This is not true at all. The Canaanites existed long before the Arabs came into existance. They were the descendants of Ham, the son of Noah, who populated that land. One of the Sons of Ham was called Canaan, whose name was given to the land. If in fact the Palestinians are Canaanites………. Why are they not actually calling themselves that? And why are they not calling the land “Canaan” instead of Palestine? The Original Arabs, were descended from Ishmael the first son of Abraham who had taken an Egyptian slave girl as his wife. (i.e. Hagar) The Egyptians were also descended from Ham. Ishmael had taken an Egyptian wife as well and had 12 sons who were the fathers of the 12 Arab tribes. What has happened since then is anyone’s guess. So then…whereas the Jews were descended from Shem, son of Noah and are true Semites….the Arabs are only partly Semitic. I find it interesting that, I as a Canadian can move anywhere in the world and will be considered a Canadian no matter where I go, and a Jew is a Jew….no matter where he lives but if an Arab crosses the border into Israel, he miraculously becomes a “Palestinian.” Is this magic or what? If someone decides to go to war against another people and in the process, lose the battle, all their equipment and even their land, do they have a right to claim it back? Are not those things considered the spoils of war to the victor? At least, that is what I have observed through reading the history of the world. Is that not the risk that an invading army takes when attacking someone? What is it that these Arabs are whining about anyhow that they begrudge the Jews a small sliver of land?
Richard Evans, March 11, 2016 8:30 PM
brilliant writing.
Please read Gen. 16 v 11 & 12. It will explain what is happening all over the world right now.
(60) Richard, November 20, 2012 2:23 PM
Very interesting
I've great respect for people of faith, but do feel sorry for them as well. It must be horrible to be tied into an endless loop of hate, suspicion and doubt extending over centuries. From outside this always strike me as so irreligious as well. I'm secure in my love and respect for all humans and animals. I've always seen our human arguments and wars as utterly pointless and indulgent. We're a merest blip on a cosmological scale and if we were just to turn our eyes upwards more often and try to imagine our place in the universe, then the time we have to live and learn seems far to valuable to waste in conflict.
Jewish self determination, November 13, 2014 10:41 PM
Jews do not hate Arabs.
While the Qur'an is full of hate towards Jews starting with the battle of kabar when Mohammed stopped trying to convince the Jews and forever changed the Islamic relationship toward Jews as on of enemies where higher taxes (Jizyyeh tax), little human rights and without equal protection under the law at best, and rape torture pillaging and genocide at its worst.
Judaism is obviously not anti Islam as Islam was not around at the time of the writing of the Jewish scripts.
We DO however insist on maintaining military control as history has taught us that we can NEVER leave our security at the hands of others. We will always continue to protect their holy sites and their human rights, but WE must be calling the shots bec we only have one land - it's called survival.
Anonymous, December 9, 2014 11:20 PM
Get your facts straight the Qu'ran states that Jews and Christians are "fellow worshipers under the one true god". It never tells Muslims to act in any way towards Jews that is not passive
(59) Alexander Hersh, July 25, 2012 12:44 PM
Sovereign Jewish claims to the Holy Temple Mount in Jerusalem
In the wake of the miraculous 'Six Days War' of June 1967, the State of Israel handed over control of the Holiest Jewish Religious Site of the Holy Temple Mount Compound to the 'Wakf', the Muslim Religious Council and Trust in an unprecedented act of goodwill and tolerance for the sake of peace and harmony. What did Israel achieve and gain in exchange ? Absolutely nothing. The Muslims continue to defy, desecrate and defile the Holy Temple Mount Compound in Jerusalem by playing soccer, holding picnics and even throwing stones there. They also treat Jews with utter contempt and disrespect and will always regard the Jews with hatred. If past and present events on the Holy Temple Mount Compound are an indication, the Jewish State of Israel has received a massive kick in the teeth !!!! When is this outrage going to end ???? Jews, awaken from your lethargy and your slumber and see what is happening !!!!
(58) boitumelo, August 12, 2011 3:48 PM
Jerusalem belongs to the Jews
This story is very true. Jerusalem is not mentioned in the Quoran. I stand as an African man in support for Israel.....I am a friend of Israel.
(57) Anonymous, June 1, 2011 11:15 AM
Abode of Peace
Jerusalem only under the sovereign of Israel can live up to its name--THE ABODE OF PEACE.
(56) , October 1, 2010 8:04 PM
Great article.
(55) harold, August 11, 2010 3:56 PM
G-D'S PROMISES
its time that Israel stand up for what they believe in and not betray there faith in turn for world's false promises peace for land but start to take back what they have given away in the past......
(54) h, November 22, 2006 6:12 PM
its ours
credit for clearly taking the Jewish side - but falls short of making the proper Jewish conclusion - its ours!
(53) Anonymous, July 7, 2006 12:00 AM
why is jerusalem called the holy city
please email me the info of how it came to be called the holy city pleass thank
(52) Rajat, June 24, 2006 12:00 AM
concise yet descriptive.I ve always wanted to know about the conflict.
(51) Sondra, July 13, 2005 12:00 AM
World Peace
I am 40 years old, born of Roman Catholic religion, but I do not attend church and I do not strickly follow Catholic teachings. In the present decade I now find poverty, war and environmental destruction most disturbing and feel we are greatly jeopardizing our existence. I felt I needed to learn of the history of Cristians, Moslems and Jews to understand some our present day world issues. Your article is most inspiring and I will now recall often the simple words coined of Jerusalem, 'City of Peace' to further enhance my strongest belief; that world peace, love and equality for every person and living thing is truly the meaning of heaven. If I am to believe in God, I have to believe in these things on earth.
(50) Anonymous, December 14, 2004 12:00 AM
Jerusalem
amazing!!! It helped me a lot for my project. Very Interisting facts
(49) Amanda Maple, November 18, 2004 12:00 AM
I don't how to beleive it
As I jsut followed some advice I was given I went to this website and learned more than I imagined, Doing a research project in my current world afairs class i found a lot of good information, and found all very fascinating. I think theres a solution to every problem jsut some problems take longer so peace is jsut around the corner
(48) robin cook, July 28, 2003 12:00 AM
this was very informative. i truly appreciate the information i read at this site. thank you
(47) Charles, April 12, 2003 12:00 AM
Peace for Jerusalem
What I found the most interesting were the comments made after the article. Some in defense of Islam's rights to the Temple Mount, some to the Jewish rights. It is obvious that mortal man will not decide the fate of Jerusalem, but G-d above us all, whether we are Jew, Moslem, or Christian.
(46) Anonymous, November 27, 2002 12:00 AM
The truth about the holy land (please keep my name confidential)
Dear Rabbi Ken Spiro
Thanks a lot for this great article. As my name tells I have an Arabic and Muslim backgroung. Just as a matter of honesty I want to confirm that all what you mentioned was correct. It is painfulthat Muslims still argue about this issue while the Qran itself confirmed the fact that the Holy Land is given to the Children of Israel as permanent Inheritance. As a matter of honesty this Holy Land belongs to Jews historically (they lived there for thousands of years as Israel kingdom), legally (as they brought this land from the Palastinian people before 1948 while it the Israeli land in all the history), theologically (as the Torah and Quran itself declared that this land is given to Israeli nation. I collected for you some Quranic verses to prove this view (probabbly after reading them Muslims should realise that WHAT THEY CALL WEST bANK AND Gaza should be called the'OCCUPIED ISRAELI LAND" instead of "the occupied Palastinian land". The verses from the Quran are listed below:
Israel in the Quran
2:47 Children of Israel! call to mind the favour which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all other nations.
2:122 O Children of Israel! call to mind the favor which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all other nations.
7:137 And We made the children of Israel, who were considered weak (and of no account), inheritors of lands in both east and west, - lands whereon We sent down Our blessings. The fair promise of thy Lord was fulfilled for the Children of Israel, because they had patience and constancy, and We leveled to the ground the great works and fine buildings which Pharaoh and his people erected (with such pride).
17:104 And We said thereafter to the Children of Israel, "Dwell securely in the land of promise":
10:93 We settled the Children of Israel in a beautiful dwelling-place, and provided for them sustenance of the best: it was after knowledge had been granted to them
20:80 O ye Children of Israel! We delivered you from your enemy, and We made a Covenant with you on the right side (the blessed side) of Mount Sinai, and We sent down to you Manna and quails.
26:59 Thus it was, but We made the Children of Israel inheritors of such things (the promised land)
45:16 We did aforetime grant to the Children of Israel the Book the Power of Command, and Prophet hood; We gave them, for Sustenance, things good and pure; and We favored them above all other nations.
44: 32 And We have chosen them (the Children of Israel) above the 'Alamîn (mankind, and jinns) and our choice was based on a deep knowledge.
[17:104] And we said to the Children of Israel afterwards, “ scatter and live all over the world…and when the end of the world is near we will gather you again into the Promised Land”.
(Comment: This last verse proves that the Quran is declaring that it is the will of G-d himself to gather the children of Israel again in their promised land before the end days which simply means No Muslim has the right to interfere with the will of G-d)
(45) David Gatt, November 25, 2002 12:00 AM
Excellant
This is one of the most important serviced reports anyone really interested in the Middle East ought to learn.
Suggest it be widely distributed even on tv and papers,as it centers on the most important issue for Israel, and the second hand reasons Muslims bring forward over the Aqsa mosque.
(44) Emad Aziz, November 6, 2002 12:00 AM
a thorough historical summary though with serious errors quoting faith
Rabbi has done a thorough, readable, and scholarly summary of historical connections of both jews and moslems. Specially the jewish connection with the site is superbly documented. Moslem connection however has been documented with lose ends and references. Quran's mentioning of "Masjid AlAqsa" is a direct reference to Jerusalem all Moslem scholars with none exceptions have this documented...and to be precise Moslem faith has it that Mohammed (peace be upon him) did not dream flight to Jerusalem, in fact he was flown to jerusalem and then to heavens within a night, from Mecca. Then, Quran is not the only Holy book...Sehah Sitta (6 most valid books quoting Mohammed (Peace be upon Him)) has numerous (more than thousand) references to the holy City of Jerusalem.
(43) Ariel, July 7, 2002 12:00 AM
city of peace foundation for Meshiach?
I find it interesting that the three great religions place such emphasis on the holiness of Jerusalem even when -for Islam- it is clear that Jerusalem is not the original holy sight for that religion. Instead of faulting them for this or imagining an ulterior motive, perhaps we need to get the divine hint that may be present. Jerusalem is the ultimate test of mankind's free will to choose "humanity" over identity or greed or "us vs. them" mentality. Perhaps when our different sides stop viewing the city as the prize and see the coming of Meshiach as the true prize, we will be able to conceptualize a new way of government that shares the holy sight as a place of peace for ALL. Yes, it is a large task. To accomplish it, millions with deep hatred and mistrust will have to unite for one cause, not the cause of acquiring land, but the cause of echoing the call to the Messiah that we are ready, finally.
(42) Menachem Ben Yakov, July 5, 2002 12:00 AM
Unprecedented tolerance or stupidity?
"One might have expected that the Israelis would immediately expel the Moslems and re-establish control of the single holiest Jewish site. But in an act of what can only be described as unprecedented tolerance, Israel handed over control of the site to the Wakf, the Moslem Religious Trust."
I beg to differ with the writer.I would not describe Moshe Dayans act as one of tolerance but of stupidity. What has the Jewish nation gained by this act? Have we been lauded by the press? Have we been praised by our enemies? Or has the desire to wipe us off the map grown? Tolerance? No.Never.Is one tolerant if one offers ones one family to a seething mob? We suffer today because the Almighty delivered us and we turned our back on Him.
The miracle of '67 was His victory as much as our own.To give the Moslems control of what is ours by devine decree is chilul Hashem.
(41) Leibel Pearlman, May 9, 2002 12:00 AM
Truly an exceptional account of this Holy City.
Some may say this is wrong; but, there has been discussions among the relgious community, globally; that Jerusalem should become the first true international city. More than half the world lay claim to its roots. Obviously, Judaism as the Eldest brother has first rites; but, could not the Eldest share this great city with its two younger brothers - Christianity and Islam?
(40) Yohannes D, April 21, 2002 12:00 AM
Summarized in a very good fashion, easy to comprehend the main points.
(39) Philip Crown, March 13, 2002 12:00 AM
This aticle is of supreme importance
and should be mailed to every head of state,since the majority of them haven't the slightest knowledge of these facts-and I include George Bush.
(38) toni racalto, March 7, 2002 12:00 AM
Jewish/Muslim Claims to the Holy City
I just came across this article of great historic significance. While I always knew knew that the Jewish people had their roots and claim to the City of Jerusalem, it is good to see it in print, because the Muslim side of the story is greatly distorted.
(37) Judd Kramer, January 16, 2002 12:00 AM
Wonderful, objective, factual, informative presentation.
As one who has researched and written about the middle east and even proposed
a solution which addresses the vital interests of all parties,I heartily endorse your historical review.I am a WWII veteran and aerospace engineer who has directed many successful proposals to DOD, NASA,industry, and foreign governments, including Egypt, Iran, Israel,Jordan,Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.This presentation should be placed in the N.Y. and L.A. Times and sent to our Secretary of State.
(36) Eva Bronstein, December 27, 2001 12:00 AM
Informing my non jewish friends
Thank you very much for this most informing of articles. I have a non jewish school friend who thinks that she might descend from one of the marrano families of Spain, She will enjoy it thoroughly. Shalom
(35) Anonymous, December 22, 2001 12:00 AM
Jerusalem belongs to the Jewish people
I truly do not understand why the Israeli government doesn't take over the Temple Mount! Jerusalem belongs to the Jewish people and the state of Israel. God will not bless His people if they do not rebuild and worship in the way that God intended. Ezekiel had a vision of the temple and its glory. He spoke of a glorious temple, not like the one that had been destroyed, but a temple that had the presence of the living God among His people. How can this exist if the Jewish people allow the most Holy site be trampled by a false god? I hope and pray that the Jewish land can be restored to God and the Jewish people.
(34) Galilea Lopez, December 16, 2001 12:00 AM
God Bless Israel and its Beautiful People!!!!!
I just want you to know that I pray everyday for peace in Jerusalem
Jerusalem is yours forever
shalom!!!!
(33) Anonymous, December 5, 2001 12:00 AM
splended and educational
I want to send this article to every news paper in america.
shalom
(32) Rick Perconte, August 3, 2001 12:00 AM
The Israeli's made a huge mistake in 1948.
I believe that it is only a matter of time until this situation comes to a head. I wonder, is there no place else in the entire middle-east region that the Palestinians could establish a home-land? There are many other countries in the region that seem sympathetic to their plight, so why aren't any of them willing to help in a manner that would really make a difference? By this I mean; Do the Palestinians insist that their homeland be specifically in Israel or do they simply want a homeland to call their own, regardless of the location?
From an historical standpoint, it seems obvious to anyone willing to examine the facts that Israel has a valid claim to both the territory and the Temple Mount. And correct me if I am wrong, but aren't the Palestinians pretty cast-offs and undesireables from the region?
One other thing: I was just a child in 1972, but I remember Yasser Arafat's roll in the terrorist attack at the Munich Olympics that killed all those Israeli Olympic Weightlifters. Once a terrorist, always a terrorist.
(31) zaid al-khattab, July 10, 2001 12:00 AM
The story about Islam is not true !
Assalamu'alaikum
At statement "Scholars agree that Mohammed was influenced by Judaism (and Christianity)" in the 2th paragraph stroy of connection moslem to jerusalem, There is no prove that Prophet Mohammed influenced to both of idealism.
Prove it if you are wright!. Prophet Mohammed is a man that uncapable of read he is an 'ummi' (cannot read). Why you say that he is influenced both idealism. In Arab society judaism and christianism establish in Arab but Young Mohammed didn't study both of idealism. He is only follow his heart that he shouldn't follow the society which is 'jahiliyah'.
If you had an argument such as jerusalem story, your argument is weak and you just talk without prove to the moslem 'ulama'
Wassalamu'alaikum
may Allah Bless you All and forgive your mistake.
(30) Larry Duncan, July 1, 2001 12:00 AM
Jerusalem belongs to the jewish people.
The Palestinens have a homeland. It is called Jordan. When Israel became a state the offer was extended for them to stay and build a country together. Those that did are now being terrorized by their own people. The tent cities were a political ploy of the Arab nations who hate Israel. It makes good press for western media and a good source for more terrorists and suicide bombers. The Arabs will never be satisfied till all of Israel and all Israelis are destroyed! Wake up Zion the spirit of the Holocaust is stirring right in your midst. The time for action is now.
(29) John Douglas, June 27, 2001 12:00 AM
Very enlightening article
I had no idea that the
Western Wall was so close to the Dome of the Rock. I see more clearly now the problem between Jews amd Muslims.
(28) Andronicus Sango, May 22, 2001 12:00 AM
Jerusalem
Jerusalem is for the Jews. A hand over of this historical place to the Palestinan authority is just like selling your birth right as Esau did.however this does not mean that the Palestinans should be thrown out of Jerusalem.
(27) David Irving, March 5, 2001 12:00 AM
The best information i have seen that makes sense.
I do appreciate the hard work in compiling all this information into an easy read format that i can understand, Thank you.
(26) virtualsister, February 23, 2001 12:00 AM
in response to shaba7
you said "in muslim belief a good jew or christian is going to heaven just like a good muslim".Why then the islamic ruling to execute apostates from islam...are they going to heaven after they are executed?? Try again..hehe
(25) Devorah Greenfield, February 5, 2001 12:00 AM
you said it best
Rabbi Spiro, you set the record straight. Could you send your article as an editorial to some papers in America, I don't need to read your article, but others do. You might want to let CNN have a copy too, they don't seem to get it.
(24) muslim muslim, January 16, 2001 12:00 AM
Comments
i would like to tell you something that you already know, which is that the way of explaining the muslim point of view is unfair, and that for muslims all the profets (including david and solomon) were muslims, and that solomon built the mosque, a temple, a place to worship god. you can also call it temple if you want. but, for us, we call it mosque. the claimed tample is the mosque itself. archiologists never found anything that proves anything else.
second thing, mohammad didn't represent islam inspired from christanity and judasim, mohammad was only a messenger. and he(and we) have to believe in the christian and juwish holy books and profet sa an essential part of our religion. and for us mohammad is a man, humanbeing, a messenger between us and god, HE IS NOT IN ANY WAY GOD OR HAVE ANY OF GODS POWERS.
muslim are asked to prefare juewls and christians on the other nations being a part of our religion. and in muslim belief, a good jew or christian is going to heaven just like and good muslim.
islam ordered muslim to protect and help jewls and christin being partners in beliefe. evebn if they don't look at us in the same way.
to become a muslim you have to become a believer. to be a believer you have to:
1- believe in god, the only and owner of total power.
2- in the holy books that god gave to people to teach them.
3- the messengers who explained the books.
4- in the judgment day.
5- in fait, good and bad.
so as a muslim you have to blieve in judasim and christianity before even thinking about becomming a muslim!
to become a muslim you have to:
1-declaire that there is no god eccept god, and mohammad is a messenger of god.
2- to pray,
3- to fast,
4- to give the poor,
5- to visit mekka if you ever have the possibility.
islam doesn't have anything to hide, this is why its powerful, this is why its honest.
(23) spiro fotolakos, January 5, 2001 12:00 AM
Hi im greek australian and i really feel sorry for you people , i mean why cant they just leave use alone for at once this century,,,its so sad that theres so many evil people on this earth,,
(22) Leen van't Hoog, January 1, 2001 12:00 AM
comment jerusalem
Thanks for your "objective as possible"history of Jerusalem.Rational people must be able to find a solution acceptable to Jews and Palestinians.
(21) John Lefebvre, December 30, 2000 12:00 AM
I commend you people! G-d Bless you! Shalom!
Shalom! You have a blessed website. As a Noachide, I pray for Jerusalem daily. Keep it up! John Lefebvre from Canada.
(20) Michael Smielecki, November 30, 2000 12:00 AM
Jerusalem as an International Religious Capital?
I found this article to be very infomative and it only affirms the need to keep this city from becoming the capital of any one country. Since this city has strong religious ties to three major religions ( Judaism, Christianity and Islam) maybe Jerusalem should become an autonomous region which would be given the responsibility to uphold and respect the rights of the followers of these religions who come to pray and pay homage to this holy city. An example might be Vatican City, which while within Italy is a separate entity in and of itself.
(19) Craig Kowatch, November 24, 2000 12:00 AM
After reading this article I could not help but think back to when I was in Israel in 1982. I had the fortune of living in Israel for six months. In that time I was able to visit many historical sites. As a gentile christian and from my own personal experience, I would not want Jerusalem's holy places to be under the control of anyone other than Israel. One example stands out in my minds. One day I was outside the Lion's Gate and I was going to up to the eastern gate of the temple mount. This place holds a special place in my heart. As I was going to approach it through a Moslem cemetary, a palestinian man scolded me for trying to enter. Another, in broken english, explained this was holy ground. I would not have had a problem with this, but as he talked to me I noticed a number goats that were actually grazing in the cemetary, standing on the grave stones and relieving themselves on the stones! In thier eyes, I was more of a defilement than the goat's dung. That is the way they see all of us "infadels", a little lower than goat dung.
(18) Rob Nelson, November 18, 2000 12:00 AM
What has G-d said?
Thank you for a very clear tight summary of the place Jerusalem and The Temple Mount has for both Jew and Moslem. It is very interesting to see the responses to this article and how people hope for some kind deal to be worked out. But, for me the decision has already been made as to what will happen. In the end it is not up to Jew, Moslem or any Gentile to decide the fate of the Jerusalem or the Temple Mount, as if the prophets heard G-d correctly, and I believe them implicitly, the Almighty has named this spot for Himself and for His people Israel. No other group can claim this without coming against His will. Zechariah said it would be a stumbling block for all nations and they will injure themselves challenging this sovereignty, and aren't we seeing this now. In the end it will not be Israel's military might that will defend this spot if I read my bible correctly. When Messiah comes He will not be sharing this with Arafat or anyone else. I thank G_d for His promises that that fact is our security. Jerusalem is not up for negotiation and the sooner the politicians wake up to this the better.
(17) David Schwed, November 17, 2000 12:00 AM
Unfortunately, among good information words are twisted to the benefit of the Jewish position. I would appreciate more objectivity. In the world everyone seems to have an ox to gore. You have successfully gored the Palestinians with this subjective view. I thought we were better than that.
(16) Anonymous, November 17, 2000 12:00 AM
Very interesting summary. However, some of your references to Bereishis are Midrashim, not text, and certainly not "historical" references. Your failure to make this clear weakens an otherwise strong presentation. Also, it would be helpful to add some information on the history of Jewish population in Jerusalem since the destruction of the Second Temple. This would be useful factual information that many of us would like to have, in order to substantiate claims of a historical presence.
(15) Ira Reschman, November 16, 2000 12:00 AM
International City of G-d
Would it ever be possible to make Jerusalem a Holy City of G-d. No weapons would be allowed, all worshipers of G-d would be allowed to pray in their manner. A triumverate, made up of a Jew, Muslim and Christain would be responsible for the day-to-day upkeep of the city (housing, sanitation, utilities, etc.). An "International City of Peace." I know it sounds idealistic, but it would become a city where spirituality springs forth like water. A city to be emulated by all. Just a thought.
(14) Anonymous, November 15, 2000 12:00 AM
Come to knowIslam before you believe what the media writes
Most people are so ignorant to the fact that Islam is an extention of the traditions of Judaism and Christianity in their PURE form, and therefore some of the authentic holy sites of the Herbrews are also revered by Muslims that are true to their faith. Jews Christians and Americans need to learn about Islam in its pure form. The way the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) lived it.
(13) Anonymous, November 15, 2000 12:00 AM
Fantastic
A great paper that beautifully sumarizes the events that have made this region experience the conflicts of yesterday and today.
(12) Anonymous, November 15, 2000 12:00 AM
I found the historical description very interesting.
I found the historical description of Jerusalem very interesting. Indeed what really made me want to send this comment was that I just finished reading a "similar" historical description on the web pages of the PNA (palestinian national. Of course the word similar is in quotes, since according to the PNA, Jews have only a very weak historical connection to Jerusalem in 1000 B.C. when it was David's city. Otherwise they claim that there is no historical evidence that the Temple Mount has any significance whatsoever to Jews. That it is holy to Muslims and Christians mainly and they cannot understand why Jews should have any special attachment to the city. Finally, they claim that the Zionists who are digging along the walls of the Temple Mount are doing this for the sole purpose of damaging the Holy Muslim Shrines. I find it difficult to believe that anyone would believe the PNA description. On the otherhand, I know that as long as Muslims are taught this version of history --- there can never be peace in Jerusalem.
(11) Anonymous, November 14, 2000 12:00 AM
History
The article may well be biased, but the Jewish connection is historical, the Muslim one mythical.Why do the Muslims need three holy cities,and deny the Jews one?
(10) Anonymous, November 14, 2000 12:00 AM
Really good
Explaining a controversal problem through simple historical facts. The journalists should read you, even if they will not take it into account!
(9) , November 14, 2000 12:00 AM
Informative
Very good piece. However, can you expand on the two beliefs of Judaism and Islam concerning who was actually offered as a sacrifice by Abraham. And that this may be the root from which this violence stems. Isaac or Ishmael. The continuing saga of jealousy and war between two brothers.
(8) Jay Young, November 13, 2000 12:00 AM
excellent,accurate and true.
your historical review is most ncessary for the youth of today and tomorrow to learn,understand and have belief and faith to be proud of and practice.
(7) Ruth Novice, November 13, 2000 12:00 AM
interesting
This article seems to give an objective account of the significance of Yerushalayim for the Jews and the Moslems. This needs to be broadcast to the world at large, not just to those of us who are already at least more or less aware of these matters. Keep up the good work.
(6) joe seruya, November 12, 2000 12:00 AM
excellent article regarding yerushalayim. This was a lesson in the history of Jerusalem.
(5) Chaim, November 12, 2000 12:00 AM
Yasher Koach
excellent piece. Notwithstanding the obvious bias (which I happen to concur with), it outlines the Islamic & Judaic historical ties to Jerusalem as succintly as any I have read. Thanks
(4) Anonymous, November 12, 2000 12:00 AM
Nice article on Jerusalem by R. Spiro
I'd like to commend you on a scholarly article well done which I'll recommend to my friends. I think some of my Christian friends would be interested too because there is lots of misinformation out there. I loved it.
(3) ROBERT MCDANIEL, November 12, 2000 12:00 AM
FANTASTIC
I JUST FOUND THIS PAGE. THANK YOU, THIS EXPLAINS A LOT. I AM PRINTING IT FOR FUTURE USE. I WILL NOW BE ABLE TO EXPLAIN TO MY FRIENDS, OR LET THEM READ THIS, SO THEY WILL UNDERSTAND. GOD BLESS ISRAEL AND I PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM. (PSALM 122:6)
(2) michael gelbart, November 12, 2000 12:00 AM
nice summary. has this been sent to Palestinian/Muslim
web sites?? middle ground must be found. is there dialogue happening between Rabbis and Imam's?
thank you
(1) Nic Ng, November 12, 2000 12:00 AM
Your article has further strengthen my views (based on years of living in a muslim society) that radical Islamists do not operate on a consistent basis of logic and rational
reasoning. A warped sense of hurt pride seems to motivate their actions and make them defy reasonable logic and reasoning and twist it till the senseless make sense to them.
Nic Ng