Jerusalem
Day 97 of 164 Days Around the World Cruise
Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history dating back thousands of years. It has been the center of the Jewish faith for millennia and is also an important site for Muslims and Christians. In this blog post, we will explore the Jewish quarter of the old city of Jerusalem and its significance, as well as the Arab-Israeli wars with Jordan and the Wailing Wall.
The Jewish quarter of the old city of Jerusalem is located in the southeastern part of the city and is one of the four quarters of the old city, along with the Christian, Muslim, and Armenian quarters. The Jewish quarter has a rich history, dating back to the Second Temple period, when the Temple Mount and the Wailing Wall were the center of Jewish religious life.
The modern history of the Jewish quarter of the old city is closely tied to the Arab-Israeli conflicts. After the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, the city of Jerusalem was divided, with Israel controlling the western part of the city and Jordan controlling the eastern part, including the old city and the Jewish quarter. During this time, Jews were expelled from the Jewish quarter, and many of the buildings were destroyed.
In 1967, Israel captured the eastern part of Jerusalem, including the old city and the Jewish quarter, during the Six-Day War. After the war, Israel began a massive restoration project in the Jewish quarter, rebuilding many of the destroyed buildings and homes. Today, the Jewish quarter is a thriving neighborhood, with a vibrant community and many historical and religious sites.
The Wailing Wall, also known as the Western Wall, is located in the Jewish quarter of the old city and is one of the holiest sites in Judaism. It is the last remaining remnant of the Second Temple and is believed to be the closest point to the Holy of Holies, the inner sanctuary of the Temple.
The Wailing Wall has also been a site of conflict between Jews and Arabs. During the Jordanian occupation of the old city, Jews were not allowed to visit the Wailing Wall, and it was used as a garbage dump. After the Six-Day War, Israel regained control of the wall and made it accessible to Jews and non-Muslims.
Despite its significance to Jews, the Wailing Wall remains a site of tension between Jews and Muslims. The wall is located adjacent to the Temple Mount, which is also holy to Muslims and is the site of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. The status of the Temple Mount has been a source of tension between Jews and Muslims for decades, with both sides claiming sovereignty over the site.
In conclusion, the Jewish quarter of the old city of Jerusalem and the Wailing Wall are both significant sites in the history of Judaism and the Arab-Israeli conflicts. The Jewish quarter has been a focal point of conflict between Jews and Arabs for decades, but today it is a thriving community with a rich history. The Wailing Wall remains a site of tension between Jews and Muslims, but it is also a place of prayer and reflection for millions of people around the world.