Krishnapaksha Thapa ‘KanxeY’,
Jerusalem, Israel 

As a city that has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the birth of religions, and the enduring quest for peace, Jerusalem remains a unique and cherished focal point of faith and devotion.

After living a vibrant and colourful city Tel Aviv almost for a decade, I shifted Jerusalem. Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world, holds profound religious significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, making it a unique focal point of faith, history, and culture. Each of these Abrahamic religions regards Jerusalem as a holy city, imbued with deep spiritual meaning and historical importance.

I am trying to explore why Jerusalem is so important to these three major religions and why it continues to be a place of reverence and pilgrimage ? in this article.

Jerusalem in Judaism

Historical and Spiritual Significance

1. Biblical Roots :
For Jews, Jerusalem is the city chosen by God. It is first mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as the city of Melchizedek, a priest-king. It later became the capital city of King David around 1000 BCE, and his son Solomon built the First Temple there, establishing Jerusalem as the spiritual center of Jewish worship.

2. The Temple :
The Temple Mount, where the First and Second Temples stood, is the holiest site in Judaism. The Temples were considered the dwelling place of God’s presence on earth. The Western Wall, a remnant of the Second Temple, is a sacred site where Jews gather to pray.

3. Exile and Return :
The destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BCE and the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 CE marked significant moments of sorrow and longing in Jewish history. The yearning to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple has been a central theme in Jewish prayers and rituals for millennia.

4. Modern Significance :
Today, Jerusalem remains the political and spiritual heart of the Jewish people. It is home to numerous synagogues, yeshivas (Jewish educational institutions), and cultural sites. The city’s unification in 1967 during the Six-Day War was seen by many Jews as a fulfillment of ancient prophecies and a pivotal moment in modern Jewish history.

Jerusalem in Christianity

Sacred Sites and Events

1. Life of Jesus :
Jerusalem is central to Christianity because it is the site of many key events in the life of Jesus Christ. These include his crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. The Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrow) is believed to be the path that Jesus walked on the way to his crucifixion.

2. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre :
This church is one of the holiest places in Christianity. It is believed to encompass the sites of Jesus’ crucifixion (Golgotha) and his tomb, where Christians believe he was buried and resurrected. Pilgrims from around the world visit the church to venerate these holy sites.

3. Early Christian Community :
Jerusalem was the center of the early Christian church. The apostles and early Christians worshipped and preached in the city, making it a foundational place in Christian history.

4. Pilgrimage and Devotion :
Over the centuries, Christians have made pilgrimages to Jerusalem to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and experience the sacred geography of their faith. The city’s numerous churches, monasteries, and historical sites continue to draw millions of Christian pilgrims annually.

Jerusalem in Islam

Religious and Historical Importance

1. The Night Journey :
According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Muhammad was transported from Mecca to Jerusalem during the Night Journey (Isra and Mi’raj). From the Al-Aqsa Mosque, he ascended to the heavens, making Jerusalem the third holiest city in Islam after Mecca and Medina.

2. The Al-Aqsa Mosque :
The mosque, located on the Temple Mount (known to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif or the Noble Sanctuary), is a significant site of worship. The Dome of the Rock, with its iconic golden dome, is an Islamic shrine that marks the spot from which Muhammad is believed to have ascended to heaven.

3. Early Qibla :
Jerusalem was the first qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims before it was changed to Mecca. This historical fact underscores the city’s early and enduring significance in Islamic worship.

4. Ottoman and Islamic Rule :
Jerusalem has been under Islamic rule for significant periods, including during the Umayyad, Abbasid, and Ottoman caliphates. The city’s architecture, culture, and community life reflect its rich Islamic heritage.

Shared Reverence and Contemporary Importance

Interfaith Significance

1. Shared Heritage :
Jerusalem is a unique city where the spiritual heritages of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam intersect. This shared reverence is evident in the city’s diverse religious landscape, with synagogues, churches, and mosques coexisting within its ancient walls.

2. Pilgrimage Destination :
For all three religions, Jerusalem is a major pilgrimage destination. Pilgrims seek to connect with their faith’s historical roots, experience sacred rituals, and participate in religious festivals and ceremonies.

3. Cultural and Political Center :
Beyond its religious significance, Jerusalem is also a cultural and political center. It is a city of immense historical layers, reflecting the rich tapestry of human civilization. Its museums, universities, and cultural institutions make it a focal point of learning and culture.

Challenges and Hopes

Political and Social Dimensions

1. Contested City :
The political status of Jerusalem is one of the most contentious issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Both Israelis and Palestinians claim Jerusalem as their capital, leading to complex and often tense political dynamics.

2. Peace Efforts :
Despite the conflicts, there are ongoing efforts to promote peace and interfaith dialogue in Jerusalem. Numerous organizations and initiatives work towards fostering mutual understanding and coexistence among the city’s diverse religious and ethnic communities.

3. Future Aspirations :
The hope for many is that Jerusalem can be a city of peace where all its inhabitants and visitors can worship freely and live in harmony. The city’s sacred significance and historical importance make it a symbol of the enduring quest for peace and reconciliation.

Jerusalem’s profound importance to Jews, Christians, and Muslims is rooted in its rich history, spiritual heritage, and sacred geography. As a city that has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the birth of religions, and the enduring quest for peace, Jerusalem remains a unique and cherished focal point of faith and devotion. Its significance transcends religious boundaries, making it a place of universal reverence and a beacon of hope for a harmonious future.