Jerusalem is the only city in the world that is holy to three different religions. It has stood tall through ages of conflicts and wars and today Jerusalem Israel is a city rich in culture, religion and history. The city's original name was Salem. This name was connected with the Hebrew word Shalom and the Arabic word Salaam.
Jerusalem is also known as the meeting place of earth and heaven and it is the site of ultimate pilgrimage for Muslims, Christians and Jews alike. However the passion that the people of these three faiths show for this city has also resulted in each one wanting Jerusalem Israel for their own. This has resulted in a huge question mark as far as the future of this city goes.
Jerusalem Israel and Judaism
Judaism came to Jerusalem with the conquest of King David about three thousand years ago. He conquered the Jebusites and their city thus making it the capital of his kingdom. Thereafter, his successor King Solomon constructed what we know as the First Temple. This made Jerusalem the center of spirituality for the Jews. In the years that followed the Jews we exiled thrice beginning in 586 BC when they were exiled to Babylon, then again in 70 AD when the Titus, the Roman destroyed the Second Temple and finally in the 12th century by the Christians during the Crusades.
Jerusalem Israel and Islam
The Muslims ruled over the city of Jerusalem for over a thousand year. This is perhaps the reason that they are spiritually attached to it. They worship Jerusalem Israel referring to it as 'Furthest Shrine', the place where Prophet Mohammed is believed to have ascended into heaven. Jerusalem is also the city that has the holiest of all the Muslim shrines, The Dome of the Rock. When in prayer, Muslims first turn to this shrine and then to Mecca. The city however was never a capital for any of the Muslim rulers.
Jerusalem Israel and Christianity
About a thousand years after the reign of King David in the 1st Century AD, Jerusalem became the city where Christianity was born. Being the place where Jesus Christ was both crucified and resurrected, Jerusalem Israel has also become the Holy City for Christians all over the world. The Christians ruled the city of Jerusalem for about one hundred years after the Crusaders had exiled the Jews and Muslims.
Visiting Jerusalem Israel
Jerusalem is probably one of the most interesting cities in the world to visit. The best time to go here would be the months of April - May and October - November. Besides visiting the city for its religious and historic sites, tourists can also go trekking, mountain climbing and camping. Jerusalem also has some interesting food that one must try if visiting. Their various pies, salads, dried fruits and jams are quite delightful. If you are a shopper then Jerusalem Israel definitely has a treat for you. You will find markets selling exquisite copperware, wrought boxes made by hand, antiques, embroidery from Hungary and Romania, ceramics that are hand painted, calligraphy, silverware, typical Israeli jewelry, stained glass etc.