Jerusalem: The Holy city, Capital of Palestine…Sadly few Palestinians can visit it: It is the city of all city holy, it attracts millions of visitors each year. A symbolic spiritual place for Christians, Jews and Muslims, it is the beautiful capital of Palestine. Jerusalem or “El Quds” as the Arabic speakers call it, is considered as one of the oldest cities in the world and houses the Al Aqsa Mosque. In Sunni Islam, Jerusalem is known to be the 3rd holiest city after Mecca and the Medina.
Sadly, most Palestinians need a special permit or Israeli citizenship to enter the city and go into the Al Aqsa Mosque for a pilgrimage and a chance to pray in this highly symbolic place for any Muslim. As a foreign visitor to Palestine, don´t be surprised if, whilst telling a Palestinian friend, you have visited Jerusalem, they have a long face and tell you it is their dream to go. You can´t help feeling guilty for having that undeserved privilege whilst your friend, born and bred in Palestine, home to the beautiful Jerusalem, cannot go and see the Al Aqsa when they please.
“ In 1972, general exit orders were issued allowing residents of those territories to move freely between the West Bank, Israel and Gaza.
Following the first Intifada by 1991, general exit orders were revoked, and personal exit permits were required. According to B’Tselem, a measure of overall closure of the Occupied Territories was enacted for the first time in 1993 and would result in total closures following rises in Palestinian political violence. This situation was still in place as of 2010. Israel occasionally still places comprehensive closures and cancels permits following acts of violence by Palestinians and during Israeli holidays. Israel says that the regime of restrictions is necessary to protect Israelis living in Israel and the Israeli settlements. (source Wikipedia).”
The situation is extremely complex and during your time here, you will soon realize that Palestinian haven´t lost their spirit in spite of these “extraordinary” conditions of living. They have had to get used to the reality of occupation, they “travel” to their dream destinations in their own country through the stories of others, foreigners or lucky relatives. Whilst innocently showing them photos and videos of your travels, you will see their eyes sparkle. Recently, whilst assisting in an English lesson at the EC, we heard students say “My favorite city in Palestine is Jerusalem, although I haven´t been I dream to go there in´shallah when my parents get a valid reason for going in order to be given a permit”.
One can only hope that one day, the dreams of so many Palestinian will come true and they will, at last, be able to visit that so important part of their country, faith, and culture.
