Picture of Jerusalem on map (Photo by: Gabie Canales)

Much of the turmoil affecting Jerusalem currently, as well as, in the past can be attributed to the interaction between the diverse peoples that are seemingly drawn to the important city. As a major religious center for three of the world’s most prominent monotheistic religious- specifically Islam, Christianity and Judaism- Jerusalem is a “holy battlefield” of sorts.

The nature of the on-going conflicts of Israel are not purely religious but also deeply political. Control of Jerusalem meant power over a region very vital region of the Earth.

“It’s both tradition and evolution and also the decisions of a series of powerful men, who for their own reasons made the decision to intensify Jerusalem’s importance,” said British historian Simon Sebag Montefiore. “So [many people,] all for different reasons, different times, and often for political reasons [influenced the history of Jerusalem].

While it is certain that humans will always cause disorder in the places they are located, there must always be a drive to sustain- at least- relative peace.