The Wall

This shot from Reuters of the Western wall in the old city of Jerusalem reminds me of one of the reasons for the breakdown of talks at Camp David. The wall was one of the supporting walls of the Temple built by King Solomon.

For peace negotiations to be in good faith both sides need to accept the religious beliefs of the other side. Arafat refused to do this at Camp David. In explaining his reasons for his rejectionism, Arafat questioned the veracity of the Western wall, saying that everyone knows Solomon's temple used to be in Nablus and not Jerusalem. In doing so he challenged the core of the Jewish faith. Both Clinton and Dennis Ross were furious at Arafat's remark.

The visible mesh of white between the huge stones are millions of pieces of papers carrying the prayers of those that have visited the wall. It is a custom to write a personal prayer and stick the paper in a some crevice somewhere in the wall. The wall continues underground and leads to the Holiest place in all of Judaism, which is below the surface of the Temple Mount.

Asking Israel to give the wall up is like asking the Muslims to give up Mecca and Medina.

Comments

[Cynic]

"....saying that everyone knows Solomon's temple used to be in Nablus and not Jerusalem. In doing so he challenged the core of the Jewish faith ...."
Also challenges Christianity's roots.
How come they do not protest this "deconstruction" of their faith's history?
Will they deny the Passion?