Chapter 14-18

Here we are reading and summarizing the last few chapters in Armstrong’s book. It is clear that the history of Jerusalem since thousands of years was full with conflicts, struggles, fighting, power ruling, destruction, etc. The history of the land that contains the three monotheistic religions is so complicated and intense. The last few chapters talk about the recent history of Jerusalem, since it was ruled by the Islamic law, to the Zionist movement into Palestine in late 1890, to the establishment of today’s Israel. It is interesting for those who are not familiar with the Israeli-Palestinian roots of the conflict, to learn how the British mandate and occupation to Palestine promised the Arabs their independence, but suddenly make a generous offer to the Jews around the globe to take the land of Palestine and establish a Jewish homeland in. In the chapter entitled “Israel” it goes into some of the details behind the establishment of the world’s biggest catastrophe or in Arabic the Nakba, and the establishment of today’s Israel. One point I wanted to mention is regarding the comment on the picture of Hajj Amin al-Hussieni, who was the grand Mufti of Jerusalem at that time, the picture says how he was “close in relationship” to Hitler. It is important to take into consideration, that at the time Hitler was a leader, although he was racist and Nazi, but he was a powerful leader that many other leaders have somehow connections to. What I disliked about the comment is that it mentioned how Hajj Amin al-Hussieni “might be discredited” due to his relation or overtures to Hitler, and it was not mentioned why he should be credited for all his positive and good things he did to the Palestinians and Arabs at that time. From here we can see how the wording of the words, and the way a book is written might affect the credibility or reputation of a person or a nation.

Throughout my reading to Armstrong’s book, I learned to critic what is mentioned more than support it, as when one critics and questions about things in any book, one learns more and better, and develop a greater and wider image of the topic. It also helps me when I read other’s blogs to see what questions they drew from their readings, rather whether they agree or disagree with the issue.