The Dome of the Rock is an Islamic shrine built on the Temple Mount in Old Jerusalem. New Jerusalem, as you can guess by the name is more modern but it is also very easy to distinguish the Israeli design & occupation in New Jerusalem.
Unfortunately it is at the heart of the conflict in the region as it shares its location with several religiously significant events for the Jewish people. Both key parties in this conflict believe they are backed my scriptural fact & thus the war rages on & on. (I would love to insert my personal opinion on religion & war but alas I will refrain just know it was difficult for me to do so)
It. is. beautiful! Unfortunately we had to be really careful with cameras & how we entered the grounds was a bit confusing. You also have to be very particular when you visit because its closed half the week, and half the day it is closed for prayers and if you have any material that affiliates you to pretty much any religion odds are they won't let you in.
On the bright sunny days (unfortunately not the day we were on the grounds) the golden dome shines through all the valley. If I didn't know how much heartache & pain this building and this city have caused & endured it wouldn't be as bittersweet to bask in its beauty!
To read why I went to Israel/Palestine go here. To read my Blog Action Day posts about Palestine go here & here. My first meal here.
Comments