Holy streets

Land from Mediterranean Sea to Jordan River is a special region for Jews, Muslims and Christians, connected with history of their nations, religions and life most important profets. Nowadays, this territory called “Holy Land” is divided between Israel and West Bank. Jews believe, that this land (Erec Israel) was given by Yahweh to Abraham and his offsprings. To that promised land Moses led people after leaving Egypt.

“Now Yahweh said to Abram: Leave your country, and your relatives, and your father’s house, and go to the land that I will show you.” Rdz 12:1

“In that day Yahweh made a covenant with Abram, saying, “I have given this land to your offspring, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates…” Rdz 15:18

For Muslim, Palestine is also “holy land”. Arabs, as Jews, recognize Abraham (Ibrahim) as a prophet and father of all nations. Abraham is given the title Khalil-Allah in Islam, which means Friend of God.

“Who could have a better religion than someone who submits himself completely to God and is a good-doer, and follows the religion of Abraham, a man of pure natural belief? God took Abraham as an intimate friend.” Quran IV: 125

Nowadays, Abraham’s grave can be found in Hebron, Arabic city which is diveded into two districts H1 and H2. One of them is occupied by Israeli army to protect Jewish settlers. Another place which Muslims claim for themselves is Jerusalem. Their prophet Muhammad traveled to the city from where he visited the gates of heaven. But in truth, it happend only in a dream. In memory of this trip, Muslim built Dom of the Rock in the center of the city. Today, Jerusalem is third most important place for Muslims.

For Christians, Jerusalem is connected not only with Old Testament, but most of all with Jesus life. Here he was born, grew up, tought, was crucified and rose from the dead. That is why Bethlehem, Nazareth and Jerusalem are often visited by pilgrims from all over the world.

But from many years Holy Land is a witness of different events. Since 1948 when Israel was created as a country, military coflict have been going on. Nawadays, land is controlled by Israeli army. Arabs try to live under this unusual circumstances, complains about Jews during chats on the streets with tourist. Most important places in that coflict are Jerusalem which both Jews and Arabs treats as a capitol of their country, Hebron and Ramallah. Streets are neglected and dirty, those which are inhabited by orthodox Jews and Arabs looks like huge markets which produce enormous amount of garbage. Between them flitted many tourists, trying to find between Palestinian nooks some historical sites. The further Jerusalem, the fewer tourists. In that places which are often away from touristic paths, people may count on exceptional kindness, drink coffe with locals and listen many interesting storie

2012