During Shabbat a few weeks ago my husband and I took a walk and sat by the community pool at our home to relax and talk. The pool was quite crowed and we were forced to sit next to a family enjoying their Saturday BBQ. Somehow we got into conversation with an adult couple sitting next to us. They explained that they were Christian Zionists and knew we were Israeli the moment we sat down. We had a very deep conversation about everything from politics, to Judeo-Christian values, to Israel.
Which brings me to my point. My husband said something that struck me as very intuitive and I was very proud of him for this response. He said "Jerusalem belongs to everyone" he was referring to the fact that Jerusalem is an important city for Christians, Jews, and Muslims. It is a city for everyone.
I do believe however that the Jews are the Shepard of the land and since we have a good track record of giving equal access to religious sites in Israel I think it is the responsibility of the Jews to tend to the land. This for me, includes the temple mount.
My husband constantly tells me stories of how the palestinians in Jerusalem are tearing apart part of the Temple wall and several underground tunnels for construction without any regard for the Geological significance the area holds. This is something the Jewish people would never do.
These Christian Zionists also discussed with us how their future is also in the hands of the Jews and in Israel. We discussed how Christian landmarks are also being destroyed at the hands of the palestinians. Namely this takes place in Bethlehem or Bet Lechem which is currently within the boarders of the West Bank.
The one good thing to be said for the Muslim community in Israel is their great lengths at preserving and protecting the "Foundation Stone." Considered a holy site in both Judaism and Islam, the Foundation Stone, also known as the dome of the rock in Islam, is considered to be the rock from which the earth was formed. It is considered the navel, or belly button of the world. It is said that Adam himself was formed from the dust of this rock and that during the time of the first temple, the Ark of the Covenant was placed upon it. In Islam it is thought to be the spot where Muhammad ascended to heaven.
Even in a world where fighting occurs daily, killing in the name of religion is common, and hatred among religions run rampant, there is still a common and uniting monument. An everlasting Rock of G-d that sustains us and gives us life.
And that is a true symbol of hope and a blessed reminder that Moshiach is coming and soon we will live in a divine world.
Your Loyal Jewess