What is the Value of Jerusalem?
The city of Jerusalem
has been fought over for centuries. Greeks, Romans, Persians, Christians,
Muslims, Jews and others have controlled the city since its creation. There are
only 2 reasons that people would fight over a city:
- It’s valuable
- It’s in the way
In this case, Number 1 is more applicable than number 2. So
if so many people think Jerusalem is valuable, then just what is the Value of Jerusalem?
In the past, Jerusalem
was a center of trade. Caravans crossed the desert from the Far
East consisting of spices, fabrics, gold, myrrh, frankincense and
much more. These items were destined for Europe, and Jerusalem
was the perfect transit point (the sea route to Europe was treacherous).
Today Jerusalem
is at best a regional trade center. It isn’t a port city which is essential for
today’s (container ship) economy – so its (prime) value is no longer (mainly) in commerce. So what is its value
today?
Because of its location and history, Jerusalem is a center of culture. It is the
most holy site for both Judaism and Christianity and an important site for Islam. This culture draws religious
scholars (from 3 faiths), scientists (archaeologists, anthropologists, others) and tourists.
Here’s a question for you to answer, if there were a lasting peace in the
Middle East, would you visit Jerusalem?
I think the answer to that question is YES for millions if not billions of
people. I think that – right there – is the Value of Jerusalem. Just about everyone wants to visit – to celebrate the history and culture of the city.
The Compromise
In order to have Israel give up (sole) control of Jerusalem - that would be the only thing that they give up. And "give up" is not quite accurate - Israel would agree to share the control of Jerusalem. But whom would they share "control" with?
By using a business analogy - control should be shared with "stakeholders" - people/groups with a vested interest in keeping Jerusalem "healthy". I listed some of them above. Now for my proposal.
The sovereign government of Jerusalem
Motto: Unfettered access to the holy city for all who come in peace.
The city will be governed by a city council. This council will consist of (appointees) :
In addition, there would be an advisory council (with no voting power) consisting of:
The future of Jerusalem is to have good tourism income, great scientific access (excavations), along with traditional religious customs. Any future building in the city would need to improve upon these strengths (more hotels than apartments, more seminaries than factories, more museums than stadiums ).By using a business analogy - control should be shared with "stakeholders" - people/groups with a vested interest in keeping Jerusalem "healthy". I listed some of them above. Now for my proposal.
The sovereign government of Jerusalem
Motto: Unfettered access to the holy city for all who come in peace.
The city will be governed by a city council. This council will consist of (appointees) :
- The Canadian Governor General - Council president (with full veto power).
- An Israeli Government Official - Council vice president (veto power over Western city decisions).
- A Palestinian Government Official - Council vice president (veto power over Eastern city decisions).
- Three religious representatives (Christian,Muslim,Jew) - Council members (veto power over religious decisions).
- Science adviser (archaeologist,anthropologist) - Council member (no veto).
In addition, there would be an advisory council (with no voting power) consisting of:
- Two NGOs (Sierra Club, Red Crescent, DWB, etc.).
- Six citizens living in Jerusalem - consisting of 2 Jew, 2 Muslim, and 2 Christian members.
More thoughts in Appendix A
2011/11/27
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