In Response to the Readings- Week Two

The readings for week two provided me with an insight to the history of Jerusalem. I found it very stunning to learn that the conflict is an ongoing struggle that has lasted for centuries. From the text, I gathered that the struggle has existed from the time of the founding of the city and has progressively worsened from then on out. I never knew that this problem has faced civilization for so long.

From the mind of an outsider I see the conflict as something that is primarily driven by political interests and has thus infiltrated the different religious groups. In “The history of Jerusalem” Khalidi states, “When discussing Jerusalem's history, it should be clear that what is really at issue is one narrative of that history, and not the thick accretion of religious beliefs and embellishments of the historical record over which the modem political agendas of Palestine and Israel compete.” I feel Khalidi is trying to convey is that the political agendas of the two opposing sides are combating each other and have therefore altered the way history is perceived. In Dumpers “Jerusalem Then and Now” it is discussed how the role of the government has played a major role in the unrest. The government mandates and population boosting attempts are two disturbing facts that have caused for a divide between the Arabs and the Jews. The conquering of Israel has become more religion oriented because of its political roots.