The Old City

So in one of my classes here we are supposed to write what is called reaction papers to places we have been. They are our first reaction of that place. Our first one was for the Old City of Jerusalem so I thought you would be interested in reading mine. This is just the rough draft (so don't worry mom, I'm have not turned it in yet) but see what you think.


Jerusalem is a city like no other. Not only because history lies in every corner of the city, but it is because of who walks the streets of the streets of the Old City that makes it so unique. Jerusalem is a city that, because of its positioning in the Middle East, joins three continents. As I walked through the Old City for the first time this was very apparent. So many different people from all over the world were crammed in city walls that are only one square kilometer. During my walk through the street I felt as if the entire population of the city was trying to walk down the same street as I was. Even this is not what left a lasting impression the first time I adventured out into the city. What I noticed most from the people of Jerusalem was their quiet defiance for the people that were different than them.

One thing that may surprise you is that Jerusalem is a peaceful city. Gone are the days that put bullet holes up and down the Zion gate in 1967. No longer do angry Muslims throw rocks down upon the Jews praying at the Western Wall. What remains is a quiet tension and hate that one group of people have for every other. What defines these people is their religion. Jerusalem itself is divided into four quarters: The Muslim, The Christian, The Armenian, and Jewish quarters. Each group feels they have a right to the city and they have more right to be there then anyone else. The Muslims believe that Jerusalem is where the prophet Mohamed was taken up to heaven. The Christians believe that Jerusalem is the sight of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Jews claim the city because it was David's capital city and was the sight of the Temple until 70 A.D. How do these groups address these differences? Dr. Wright said something very interesting when discussing this subject during our tour of the Old City. He said, “Each group is trying to prove their roots go deeper by building higher.”

This statement is very true. Even in the way they dress is a statement to the other religions who live in the city. Their dress is so unique that it is impossible to mistake them for anyone else, and this is how they want it. As our group looked out to the golden dome that is the Dome of the Rock I noticed a giant Menorah encased in glass near by. Written on a plaque next to the Menorah it says it is the Menorah that will be put in the new temple when the Dome of the Rock comes down and the Jews rebuild the Temple. The violence has stopped but the desire to control the city has not.

The same is true with the Christians. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the sight where Jesus was believed to be crucified and berried. Right across the street from the church is a mosque that has made sure that its minaret stands slightly taller than the church steeple as to show that they are in charge. When it comes to The Church of the Holy Sepulchre this is completely true. The Muslims actually own, unlock, and lock the church because of a riot that broke out in the church. The church is run by six different denominations that could not work with each other. So when a riot broke out in the church the Muslims took control of the church and never gave it back. This is not localized with the Christians. Both the Muslims and the Jews disagree with other sects in their own religion Even among the same religion the people of Jerusalem hate each other and lay claim to the city as their own.

Also just an update. I have been to the city of Jerusalem every day so far. sometimes twice a day. :) I love it. I have already been to the Western Wall, Dome of the Rock, The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, walked around the city on the ramparts, and much more. If you are still reading this I am impressed.
Well I have class early tomorrow so I'm going to bed. Goodnight
Jason