Israel and Palestine are in war and Jerusalem forms the main point of contention. In the year 1948, Israel was established as a nation, but was never recognised by the Islamic countries of the Middle East. However, later with much struggle, it was decided that parts of Western Jerusalem would be the right of Israel and parts of East Jerusalem would be Jordan’s right and its army will be stationed there. In this way, Jerusalem was divided but this partition was temporary.
In 1967, Israel fought wars with Syria, Jordan and the Palestinians and captured East Jerusalem and the West Bank. These two areas near Jordan were taken away by Israel and since then, violent confrontation started between Israelis and Palestinians in these areas.
Israel claims that the entire Jerusalem is its capital, while Palestinians consider East Jerusalem as the capital of the future Palestinian nation.
America is one among the few countries accepting Israel’s claim on the entire city. In simple words, all this war is about the areas of East Jerusalem.
Why is this fight over East Jerusalem?
The answer brings all three religions Christianity, Islamism and Judaism into picture.
Christianity is associated with this region as it is believed that this is the place where Jesus was crucified on the hill of Calvary. Therefore Christians consider this place.
This place is significant for Muslims too because the Dome of Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque are located here. This mosque is the third holiest site in Islam with Muslims believing that Prophet Muhammad traveled from Mecca to here during the journey and prayed with all Prophet’s spirits. Next to this mosque, the Dome of Rock is the cornerstone where Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad went towards paradise.
The Jews consider Jerusalem as their place because they believe that this was where the whole world was built after laying the foundations and this is the place where Abraham offered his son Isaac.
This means Jerusalem, Christianity, Islam and Judaism are at the center of all three religions and all the disputes also start from here.
Interesting piece of information
Jerusalem, one of the oldest cities in the world, has been attacked 52 times, it has been captured 44 times and the invading army has surrounded the city 23 times.
Judaism is one of the oldest religions in the world. The history of this religion is about 3,000 years old. And it is believed that Judaism originated in Jerusalem itself and the founders of this religion were Prophet Abraham. Abraham is also called the messenger of God by Christians and Muslims. And his son’s name was Isaac and a grandson named Jacob.
The other name of Jacob was Israel and that is why the people of Judaism gave their country the name Israel. But people of this religion had to struggle for their own separate country. It is said that the first Jewish state came into existence about 2200 years ago. But in 931 BC, this kingdom began to decline slowly and united Israel was divided into two parts between Israel and Yuda.
