Jerusalem

an introduction

By Kim Lau

December 19^th, 2019

Sitting on a plateau in the Judean mountain, clutched between the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean, Jerusalem was where the Jews built their first and second temple; where Jesus was crucified , and where Prophet Mohamad rise to Heaven. It’s the most contested city in human history, where the Seljuk Turks conquered from Christendom, then wrestled back and forth between Christian Crusaders and Islamic Dynasties, only to be inked recently as the capital of Israel, with half of Jerusalem in the West Bank which was rightfully Palestine. Jews, Muslim, Christians and Armenian continue to populate this holy city in their different quarters, with delicate balance. Friday was celebrated by all factions, Namaz at noon has the Muslims marching towards Al-Aqsa mosque entering from the various gates, Midafternoon starts the Via Dolorosa Procession led by the Franciscan Monks, and later afternoon convergence of Hasidic Jews converging towards the Western Wall for Shabbat. This series introduces the amazing city of Jerusalem.

ROAD DOWN SILWAN - EAST JERUSALEM

Palestinian side of Jerusalem, East of the old city.

ICON OF JERUSALEM

Dome of the Rock with Mount of Olives in the background, Church of Mary Magdalene on the slight right, Chapel of the Ascension further right elevated., and slight right thereafter Peter Noster Church.