The Israelis and the Palestinians, both in the past and in the present, have caused one another great suffering because their religious beliefs have impelled them to violence over the issue of control of the city of Jerusalem. Both sides believe themselves to be divinely entitled to exclusive control of the city; both sides have lived under the shadow of violence as a result. These religious convictions and intolerance have had tragic consequences. Recently, many horrific acts of violence in the region have been perpetrated as a result of these beliefs, and many people have died in the struggle. Despite many efforts to resolve this conflict, there is presently no clear path to peace in sight. It is tragic that two of the world's great religions, Judaism and Islam, have taken the path of violence over control of this real estate, merely because they consider it to be of religious importance.

This conflict has long-standing historical and religious roots. For many centuries, Jerusalem has been of great religious significance to Judaism, Islam, and Christianity (although Christians are not deeply involved in the struggle for control of the city). In biblical the city

was controlled by Jews and the Romans. In later years, the Muslims took control of the city, and European Christians went on crusades to try to take control away from them. In the twentieth century, the Jews regained control (Jerusalem: A History of Bloodshed, Peace"). The state of Israel was founded in 1948, and the Israelis gained control of the city after winning the six-day war in 1967. The Israelis currently have control of the city; however they have allowed the Palestinians access and limited rule of some areas ("Jerusalem Bloodshed"). Palestinians want more area and control. The Israelis do not want to give it up. All throughout this history of shifting control and conflict over the city, many people have tried to make peace. In fact, peace negotiations have been a part of this area for centuries ("Jerusalem Bloodshed").

Incidents such as this are commonplace in this. For example, from late September through October 2000 there was a very dark and violent time in Jerusalem ("Israelis, Palestinians mark one month of clashes"). Just in this short span of time, 140 people were killed. Threats and violence were very evident throughout the month. This is an example of their intolerance in a physical sense. The Israelis opened fire on Palestinian targets in the West Bank Arab town. A horrific scene of hand-to-hand machine gun fire developed. This fighting resulted in 150 Palestinians being severely wounded ("Israelis one month"). This fighting came about as a group of Palestinians were leaving a church ("Israelis One Month"). This goes to show how both sides have put religion aside, favoring rather war and hate. Conflicts continued on holy grounds, and both sides continue to claim innocence, claiming it something they had to do based on their religious beliefs ("Israelis One Month").

Both the Israelis and the Palestinians have valid claims on the land. This brings up the question of who has the most valid claim. The Israelis's basic claim is that it is the home of the very most holy object in their religion, the Arc of the Covenant, and the land has always been considered the home of Judaism. The Palestinians also have a legitimate claim to the land. One of their most holy figures, Mohammed, came from Jerusalem, thus beginning his journey in life ("Jerusalem Bloodshed"). And also the Christians have a claim as well. Although they do not actually control the land adjacent to Jerusalem, their religion was founded in Jerusalem by the most pious figure in Christianity, that of Christ ("Jerusalem Bloodshed"). Within 500 yards of each other in the city is a huge Jewish temple, the landmark of where Mohammed began his "journey," and the tomb of Jesus ("Jerusalem Bloodshed"). Obviously, all of these grounds for wanting the land are quite sound, and it is difficult to decide who should have sole possession of this most sacred and hollowed turf.

Both of these problems are refl

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Approximate Word count = 1974
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)