Rocky Reasoning in Jerusalem

Last week a member of the Fatah Revolutionary Council kindly gave me a ride home from Ramallah to Jerusalem, and stopped at the Mount of Olives so my friend and I could see one of the best views of the Old City.

We told him we had wanted to visit the famous Dome of the Rock -- known to Jews as the Temple Mount site, known to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary (Haram al-Sharif) -- but it was closed for security. A nice view was the best we could do.

View of the Dome of the Rock from the Mount of Olives

The previous day I had tried to enter the site but Israeli guards who control access to the area told me that unless I was a Muslim over 50-years-old, it wasn't going to happen.

Being a compulsive sightseer, I wrapped myself in a headscarf and walked to the next entry point. I tried to persuade the new set of guards that I did in fact qualify. I underestimated the seriousness of the situation, and unsurprisingly they were unamused.

The day before I went on an exhaustive tour of the Old City, that included an in-depth look at Jerusalem's architectural history, the Roman ruins, the Muslim quarter, the Byzantine churches, etc. We even went underground on a 1km walk through a narrow, ancient aqueduct with water up to our knees (which I highly recommend...this is the tunnel David is thought to have used to conquer Jerusalem).

We had an Israeli tour guide, who described the significance of the Dome of the Rock site: Jews believe the rock inside is the foundation stone, where God created the world in its present form and where Abraham was ready to sacrifice Isaac, while Muslims believe it is the spot from where the Prophet Muhammed ascended to heaven.

He also explained to us that the site was closed because a few days earlier Palestinians had thrown rocks at Jews who had entered the sacred area to pray. This is highly controversial and considered illegal to many, including Rabbi Elyashiv, a senior ultra orthodox leader.

Our friendly guide also added that wheelbarrows full of rocks had later been found near the al-Aqsa mosque, which were intended to throw at Jews worshiping on the Western Wall...literally a stone's throw away on the edge of the complex.

A day later, standing on the Mount of Olives, admiring the sunny golden dome, and its glistening mosaics, the same Fatah rep told us he witnessed this event first-hand --- and no rocks were thrown. He told us the instigators were six Jewish extremists who were breaking rules by coming to worship, and who were guarded by more than 20 Israeli guards at the time. He dismissed reports of the wheelbarrows (on a side note, he's a Christian).

Israeli police who responded to the event told the Associated Press that rocks were thrown by Palestinians at French tourists.

These disputed accounts capture the incredibly frustrating misinformation and slander that constantly comes from all sides in Jerusalem.

While the debate over the incident could be plausible, the debate it is seemingly grounded in is inexcusable: archaeology.

Israel, and the majority of contemporary archaeologists, believe that the Temple Mount is the site of the mighty Second Temple, which represents the high point of the Jewish Kingdom, some 2000 years ago. They say the Western Wall, which they visit today, was once part of Herod's ancient building.

From the Mount of Olives, our Fatah host denied this flat out. He insisted that "not a single stone proves the Second Temple was there."

We asked him where he thought it was then and he gestured about 100 meters to the side, in a non-committal way. Some Arabs nearby, who were also taking in the view, overheard his comment and aggressively agreed. They believed that Jewish visitors violated the site.

Such anger is nothing new. Nine years ago Ariel Sharon's visit to the holy area sparked the second intifada. This time around already dozens have been injured in subsequent protests, though yesterday the site re-opened.

Looking at the excavation site in-person, it's hard dispute the Israeli theory, but I don't know enough about archaeology, and I haven't found anything reasonable that uses science to discount it (please comment below if you have suggestions).

Either way, it seems that where a building stood 2000 years ago is a question of science, not faith, but it stokes such deep hatred that it clouds clear thinking.

Comments

[Olivia Sterns - Huffpost Blogger]

Check out “Where Heaven and Earth Meet: Jerusalem’s Sacred Esplanade,” a collection of essays by renowned scholars on the history, archaeology, aesthetics and politics of the place that Jews revere as the location of their two ancient temples, and that now houses the Al Aksa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/15/world/middleeast/15mount.html?ref=world

[arvay]

"Israel, and the majority of contemporary archaeologists, believe that the Temple Mount is the site of the mighty Second Temple, which represents the high point of the Jewish Kingdom, some 2000 years ago."

Herod was chosen to lead that "Jewish Kingdom" by the Roman Senate.

I'm always bemused at the sight of Jews praying at the remaining wall, since Herod, who built the Second Temple, was a ruthless stooge who murdered Jews at eh behest of his clients and wasn't even really Jewish. Worshipers had to pass under a giant Roman eagle posted over its main gate.

This is a little like devout Norwegian Calvinists praying at the home of Vidkun Quisling.

[MosheDayanHero]

Nonetheless this is a site built by the Jews in a capital of a Jewish state, at the center plaza of Jewish religious and economic power.
And perhaps not as ironic as billion people who worship at a site, where a guy supposedly traveled on the horse from Saudi Arabia in one night and then ascended to heaven, just by pure coincidence ( of course) from the site of Jewish holiest shrine.

[arvay]

Ha, built by Jews under the whips of their Roman masters. Maybe the devout should pray at the pyramids, according to legend built by Hebrew slaves.

What this really means is that the "nationhood" of Israel is cobbled together from scraps of religious mutterings and other peoples' history. A little ancient Judea here, a little Romanian pastrami there, some Slavic potato pancakes on the side, a Balkan hora for good measure.

Rome occupied Judea for the same reasons others always occupied the Levant -- as a buffer between themselves and whoever was on the other end of the road. It was such a scraggly and insignificant place that it served mostly as a punishment assignment for losers like Pontius Pilate. (He muffed that also and ended up executed.)

[MosheDayanHero]

This is a two year old article but the same Palestinian rumor mill hasn't subsided yet.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6347077.stm

[altohone]

The problems arise when you ask whose archeologists get to determine the "facts".

Science isn't the answer, as scientists have shown a willingness to interpret findings in the holy land in a way that happens to fit their ideology... Christian, Muslim and Jew all.

Good science is happening... don't get me wrong... but conclusions differ regularly.

[GrahamInCanada]

What piffle. Archeologists of all religions have agreed that the bible does not match archeological evidence.

[MosheDayanHero]

The problems arise when you ask whose archeologists get to determine the "facts".

The reason Israeli is such a successful state in the tech innovation and science is becuase they rigorously adhere to and follow best available scientific methods of analysis.
The is no two sides of archeology. This is a fallacy.
There' re Israeli scientists and Palestinian political agitporp combined with relgious dogma.
Example:Arafat insisted at Camp David that Jewish Second Temple is somewhere near Jericho.

Example: Fatah TV, Aug 11, 2009 PA University lecturer quote: They [Jews] made a false claim and called the Al Buraq Wall the Wailing Wall... this strange Jewish interest concerning this place is new with no historical roots?. Absolutely. This is political terminology... nothing more."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWNles_5a40&feature=player_embedded#

[GrahamInCanada]

I agree, there is no two sides to archeology.

So, there is no evidence at the site of the first temple, neither its construction nor destruction, at all. There is no evidence that this is the temple mount, Mount Zion, of the Bible.

The first twenty four rows of the wall in question were laid about the time of Christ, the next four were added seven hundred years later, by the Umayyads, the next 14 rows were added in the 19th century, and the remaining rows were added in the twentieth century.

The wall was rediscovered in the 17th century during a search for the mythical wall and its reputation as the wailing wall started then, which reputation as the final standing wall of the second temple has yet to be proved.

Doesn't mean that it is not the final standing wall of the second temple. But it is only assumed to be, it has not actually been proved to be, and there is quite some doubt that it is a wall of a temple, second temple or not, located on Mount Zion, at all.

[mommamia526]

A person who made sense to me during the latest UN-meetings was Moamar Ghadafi. He said let there be one country. Her also said, let those who want to kill each other do so. The situation within Israel proper, as well as with the PA, is much better for Palestinians than it is in S. Lebanon, in Syria, in Gaza and for the latest crop of Palestinians ejected from Iraq, in Jordan, where they reside in tents. My native country, The Netherlands, has always been a seafaring nation, a nation of traders. Israel is also a nation of traders and scientists. To do trade and to explore science one needs cooperation with others, and one must understand others, know about them and their cultures and religions, as well as languages, and respect them. Jews also have a religious mandate to be a light (blessing) to the world. Israel in partnership with Jordan have a prospect to connect the Dead Sea and the Red Sea and build desalinization plants to bring water to the area. People need water, Palestinians do to. They need running water and facilities inside their dwellings. they need jobs, and good schools. They need healthcare and food. All the rest is nonsensical. Mr. Ghadafi also said that he had known jews from his earliest memories. They did not bother anyone, he said. They were traders.

[MosheDayanHero]

One state is a great idea .
1.Jordan is majority Palestinian state.
2.Palestinains were Jordanian citizens for decades without much complaint.
Voila--One state. Jordan with autonomous West Bank region. Arabs living peacefully under Arabs--Jordanian constitutional monarchy.
Perfect for all.

[StCuthbert]

Sounds like a plan. Remember, a high percentage of Jordan's citizens are considered to be Palestinian.

What about Gaza?

[joeinvt]

In the early 20th century, more than 20,000 indigenous Jews lived in Libya. Now there is not a single Jew left in Libya. Talk about successful ethnic cleansing! Under Ghadafi's rule, all Jewish property was confiscated and all debts to Jews were canceled. For "traders" who "didn't bother anyone," they didn't make out so well.

[MosheDayanHero]

"Day later, standing on the Mount of Olives... the same Fatah rep told us he witnessed this event first-hand --- and no rocks were thrown."
Oh, well, if unidentified Palestinian said it to the Western tourist, than it must be true. LOL

Now back to reality.

Palestinian youth throwing rocks on the Temple Mount. News report from Dubai.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOmkPxJajlY

[mommamia526]

Another person getting a little surprise during the recent UN meetings was Ahmadinejad. The missiles being seen in transport in Southern Lebanon were tracked coming from, or via, Syria. It is well known that Iran finances and encourages both Hizbullah and Hamas. Therefore, leaving aside for a moment who put what on the Temple Mount to thrown at whom, there is a wider angle to activities in the area, and for that reason it was prudent for Israel to keep jews and visitors out of the reach of stoning. More was going on: Abbas was complaining about Hamas, and vice versa, and we have seen the back and forth on the Goldstone Report from Abbas. Then there were Palestinian, and wider Arab, voices demanding the end of the judaizing efforts of Israel - and not only on the Temple Mount. None of this is about religion, about either Allah or G-d, or even Jesus, who has not been mentioned. It is about POWER. It is NOT about Arabs or Palestinians. It is about wealth and influence of some of the socalled leadership. None of this is about the Temple Mount, the Mosque, or Islam either. Listen and you will hear. Abbas wants all jews out of various locations. Israel has other ideas: it wants cooperation with Arabs, but it also wants to fight terrorism. See: www.theisraelproject.org, Tue 10/13/09 and also read Netanyahu's latest speech.

[mommamia526]

I add my voice to shotei and stCuthbert. However, no yet mentuioned in this thread is that the Temple Mount is not only religiously important to muslims and Jews, it is also important to Christians; Jesus preached there. For the Muslim, therefore, to deny acces to the Temple Mount to anyone other than Muslims is not defensible at all. Entering the Mosque is another matter, however, I have not heard of any other site/building where persons of a different faith are not allowed to enter, or visit, other than at religious services. The reason for the age limits set by Israel was for the purpose to avoid a third entifada being engineered from the site outwards. People over 50 usually do not participate in active fighting. And, people prohibited by Israel from visiting the Mount were jews and tourists - not muslims. The incident does not stand on its own. It is a follow up on Abbas's loss of his crown at the recent UN-meetings, and the toss up over the Goldstein Report between him and Hamas. It is reported here only as an issue between Israel and the Palestinians; it is broader than that. By the way, activities are also going on now in Southern Lebanon, Hizbullah had an explosion transporting missiles, and disputes the actual site of the explosion, in spite of aeral surveillance photos. Lebanon is currently being watched as a powder keg ready to go off (Hizbullah).

[StCuthbert]

There have been numerous incidents when the Palestinian Arabs have destroyed or desecrated Jewish holy sites, it would stand to reason that they want to use any tactic possible to delegitimize the Jewish connection to Jerusalem. So what if Jews come to the Temple Mount to pray? Why can't we all worship where we want to? Israel allows the Arabs to pray at the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, what's the problem with Jews worshiping on the Mount?

[MosheDayanHero]

"What's the problem with Jews worshiping on the Mount?"

The problem is Islamic extremism and latent imperialism.
Any land, once conquered, is considered by Muslims theirs forever.

[GrahamInCanada]

The Muslims did not arrive in Palestine and replace the Palestinian population with a different, Muslim population, you know.

They converted the people already there.

And that is rich; Jewish claims to Jerusalem are largely that they defeated the builders of Jerusalem thousands of years ago, thousands of years after Jerusalem was built, once, and therefore Jerusalem is theirs for ever.

[shotei]

First of all, the riots started because of "rumors" that Jews would go to pray and "take over" the Mount. This is absurd given the seriousness with which Israel enacts the prohibition of Jewish prayer inside the Temple Mount since 1967.
Second, there is overwhelming evidence that the Mosque was built intentionally over the exact same place where the Temple was built. This is an absurd claim by Muslims to delegitimize Jewish links to the place.

[Itzchak]

It's unbelievable that people take seriously the newly minted claim that there was no Jewish Temple there...In fact the Muslims themselves (until recently) affirmed this. This is from the official 1925 Supreme Moslem Council Guide Book to Al-Haram Al-Sharif (the Moslem name for the Temple Mount). On page 4, the Waqf states, "Its identity with the site of Solomon's Temple is beyond dispute. This, too, is the spot, according to universal belief, on which 'David built there an altar unto the L-rd...', citing the source in 2 Samuel XXIV,25.

In addition, on page 16, the pamphlet makes reference to the underground area in the south-east corner of the Mount, which is refers to as Solomon's Stables. "Little is known for certain of the history of the chamber itself," the guide reads. "It dates probably as far back as the construction of Solomon's Temple. .."

[GrahamInCanada]

When it comes to archeological evidence of something, it is surely thousands of years too early to claim that a 1925 guide book is evidence of anything, although who knows, it might one day be dug out of a trash heap and be a new Rosetta stone.

And if it is, it is not likely that they will conclude that the 1925 guide book is true if all archeological evidence suggests that it is not true.

[Itzchak]

You're missing the point...the guidebook prepared by the Wakf Muslim authorities says that because they've always known it...since the establishment of the mosque there...they didn't discover that in 1925...if you research you'll find the builder of the mosque built it specifically on the site of the jewish temple...to demonstrate the newly emerging muslim domination

and they never disputed that it was on that site and hence it's in their guidebook as absolute fact...

[GrahamInCanada]

"Looking at the excavation site in-person, it's hard dispute the Israeli theory, but I don't know enough about archaeology, and I haven't found anything reasonable that uses science to discount it (please comment below if you have suggestions).

"Either way, it seems that where a building stood 2000 years ago is a question of science, not faith, but it stokes such deep hatred that it clouds clear thinking."

I suggest The Cana’anite Factor: (Un) Defining Religious Identities in Palestine and Israel,

http://www.pij.org/details.php?id=799

[eileenflemingWAWA]

On March 18, 2006, I visited The Noble Sanctuary that leads to the Dome of The Rock.

My guide Mahmoud, was born in Jerusalem and he told me:

“I was at the Ambassador Hotel for the public meeting the other day and was arrested and detained for eight hours. The Israelis will not allow Hamas and the PFLP to have public meetings at all...[yet] they claim this is a democracy, but how can that be if they do not allow political groups to meet and discuss the situation and search for solutions?

“When I was nineteen I was arrested for being a member of the PFLP/Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and spent the next 17 years in jail...I was tortured for months...

“I was an eyewitness on October 8, 1990 when a group came to put a cornerstone where they want to rebuild the Temple... women were shouting and crying. They were fainting from the tear gas! People got angry and threw stones at the soldiers and guards. Then hundreds of guards came onto The Noble Sanctuary and started shooting and 17 people were killed and 1,500 injured. They claimed we were throwing stones at the Wailing Wall but a Rabbi who had been over there said it wasn’t true at all.

"They want to destroy our Holy site but no archeologist has been able to say exactly where The Temple had originally been and they have been digging for seventy years."

[RichardSharp]

Peace is always possible. It takes two (or more) willing parties. It is unbelievable that this simple little turf war in wasted lands continues to cause such world-wide mayhem. A billion or so Muslims "hate us to death."

Mr. Obama, get it done. The Israelis will do just fine back within their pre-war borders.

[Thabit]

Richard i too would like Obama to "get er done" but there will be no movement by Israel untill he veto's their aid untill they freeze and pull back illegal settlements . And Congress and the Senate wont allow that because they live in AIPAC's back pocket . Untill the same standards are applyed to Israel as were applyed to Iraq when it invaded Kuwait , nothing will change in the mid-east