Everyone wants a piece of the Middle East
Jerusalem — holy sites for three faiths in a sacred triangle, rosary beads charged on the stone where Jesus was washed, and a surprising willingness to return. (3 min read)
Everything has gone very smoothly in Palestine on this visit. People have been very kind, everyone is respectful and Jerusalem feels easy and safe. The energy is intense and there is so much spirit here.
The holy places for Muslims, Jews and Christians (of various persuasions) abut each other in a sacred triangle with a huge amount of light directed at it. I can understand why they all need to be on this land. And peace in the Holy Land would most certainly demonstrate humanity is progressing to the next level.
I have visited many holy places for each of the religions on this pilgrimage. The Christian sites were very moving and generally highly energised – I got the rosary beads charged on the stone on which Jesus’ body was washed after the crucifixion. I said a prayer at the Western Wall (Wailing Wall) and visited King David’s tomb. An Arab friend took me to two mosques. Unfortunately, non-Muslims are not permitted under the domes of the mosques, but it was a great privilege to be able to experience as much as I did.
I need a guide book to decode who is who in the streets here. There are many sects of each religion, with different costumes for the various players. The diversity is huge but, unfortunately, becoming infected with Nike and other western brands.
Although the energy of the place is compelling and the diversity very interesting, life would not be easy here. The weather is extremely hot and dry, with very long days. Sleep is interrupted by the prayers every 6 hours or so. And it is very crowded, without too much variety in food, etc.
However, I am surprised to say that I would be happy to return here, ideally, in the cooler climate.
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