{"id":7051321,"date":"2026-08-30T00:16:18","date_gmt":"2026-08-30T00:16:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/uncategorized\/travel-jerusalem-its-complicated-intense-always-unique\/"},"modified":"2026-08-30T00:16:18","modified_gmt":"2026-08-30T00:16:18","slug":"travel-jerusalem-its-complicated-intense-always-unique","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7051321","title":{"rendered":"Travel Jerusalem, It\u2019s Complicated, Intense, Always Unique"},"content":{"rendered":"


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I think it is complicated and intense because of the emotions it stirs. It is somewhat surreal. Consider this simple question: \u201cIn what country is Jerusalem?\u201d The answer is complicated even for governments and courts. The only way to describe it from my point of view is that Jerusalem is complicated, intense.<\/p>\n

First of all, consider this simple question: \u201cIn what country is Jerusalem?\u201d \u00a0The response that the UN, the State Department, the Israeli and Palestinian governments would all give would be a slightly different answer. Finally, the answer is different for each of them. Both Israel and Palestine dispute Jerusalem. The complicated issues are the basis for the dispute. Jerusalem is a place where nothing is simple. But Jerusalem simply inspires everyone.<\/p>\n

Nothing is\u00a0simple here. From the rules of the road, what to eat, and who to hang out with in Jerusalem. Even the US Supreme Court decision on \u201cIn what country is Jerusalem?\u201d \u00a0is complex. Here is the Court\u2019s view. \u00a0US Supreme Court weighs in on Jerusalem<\/a>. Therefore, everything is complicated when it comes to Jerusalem.<\/p>\n

Jerusalem Complicated Intense<\/h2>\n

Jerusalem, an emotionally powerful place, is historical. It is loud like India or Cairo, Egypt. Jerusalem feels chaotic. Jerusalem is very crowded and in a rush. I see zealots, religious extremism, and soldiers making random inspections with guns drawn. Because of the political undercurrent, Jerusalem is intense.<\/p>\n

\"Jerusalem,<\/p>\n

\"Jerusalem,<\/p>\n

Wailing Wall and the Dome of the Rock symbolize the Israeli and Palestinian conflict<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The More I Learn, the Less I Know<\/h3>\n

The more I learned, the less I understood. The tension goes back to an old feud between cousins<\/a>\u00a0Ishmael<\/a>\u00a0and Esau<\/a>. The tension in the city is tied to the cousins\u2019 claim to Jerusalem and Palestine, or modern-day Israel.<\/p>\n

What Was It Like In Jerusalem?<\/h3>\n

During my visit to Jerusalem, the sweltering weather added to my discomfort. As a result of the war that just ended, tension is high in the walled city. During the war, the Israeli and Palestinians lost lives, but the war hadn\u2019t resolved anything. Another war solved, nothing but increases tensions.<\/p>\n

As a result of the war, heightened security is everywhere in Israel. Further frustrated, Israel\u2019s bad economy and drop in tourism increased tensions. In other words, the high stress increased security. Because Israeli soldiers stoned the Dome of the Rock, Israeli soldiers tightened security on buses. All public places in Jerusalem were ready for trouble. Therefore, Jerusalem felt complicated and intense to me.<\/p>\n

Jerusalem\u2019s Rules<\/h3>\n

So to \u2018fit \u2018 in Jerusalem, I learned Jerusalem\u2019s rules. Additionally, m<\/span>y travel is more complicated than usual because my visit is during Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and the Sabbath. Unfortunately, I didn\u2019t know that Jewish religious law determines the whole country\u2019s legal system. Because of this, I learned that Jewish religious laws regulate civil laws and government. But I learned the rules and had an incredible trip, regardless of the laws.<\/p>\n

Jerusalem, Complicated and Intense<\/h3>\n

Jerusalem is a tiny walled town. You can spend a lot of time in Jerusalem. After I asked a million questions, I understood Israel\u2019s rules. Because I learned the rules, I avoided many social, cultural, and legal mistakes.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, my goal to photograph Jerusalem, Israel, and Palestine is the purpose of my trip. No one photographs all of this region in one trip. However, I accomplished a lot of my goals. I saw the sites on my \u2018must see\u2019<\/strong> list\u00a0and saw some others that were not on the list.<\/p>\n

Jerusalem Historical and Biblical Sites<\/h3>\n

Jerusalem\u2019s historical and Biblical sights are the city\u2019s attractions. Regardless of why people come, the more you see, the more you learn. Therefore, Jerusalem is a fascinating experience. By immersing yourself, you learn things about yourself.<\/p>\n

Plan to spend at least one full day in Jerusalem. An optimal visit to Jerusalem is about two or three days.<\/p>\n

Additionally, make sure to leave time to chat and get to know the local people. Since the people are generous with their time, they share their sites, social, and cultural tips that only locals can.<\/p>\n

\"Jerusalem,<\/p>\n

\"Jerusalem,<\/p>\n

My Guide<\/h3>\n

My Muslim guide is Zafer Barakat<\/a>. He is a Christian and Muslim religious heritage and history guide.<\/p>\n

How I Dressed<\/h3>\n

We dressed for sightseeing. For me, a travel dress<\/strong> is a long skirt, a long-sleeved white linen shirt, a white long scarf, and flat walking shoes.\u00a0 I never wear sneakers. As a result, I am completely covered.<\/p>\n

Ready to see the sites, we left for the tour. My camera is the only thing I carry.<\/p>\n

Guides Dress<\/h3>\n

My guide is well-dressed in a pressed shirt and business casual attire. He looked very professional and made a great impression. Zafer b<\/span>rought a\u00a0Bible and walked with it under his arm. His\u00a0goal is to help me enter the Dome of the Rock.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, non-Muslims are not permitted to go in to the Mosque. It\u2019s not allowed according to Islamic law, modern tradition, and safety concerns. Since my guide knew this, his determination drove him even harder to get me into the Mosque.<\/p>\n

\"Jerusalem,<\/p>\n

My Day Seeing the Sites<\/h3>\n

His second goal is a tour of the significant Christian sites. He points out Jewish sites but only as we walk by them, in passing.<\/p>\n

Jerusalem \u2013 Temple Mount (Haram Es Sharif), Dome of the Rock<\/h3>\n

The Temple Mount (Haram Es Sharif), Dome of the Rock, <\/a>is a complicated situation in Jerusalem. A reason Jerusalem is complicated is that three world religions claim the site.<\/p>\n

Then Solomon began to build the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah. It was on the threshing-floor of Araunah the Jebusite, the place provided by David, his father.\u201d
<\/em>\u2013\u00a0<\/span>2 Chronicles<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>3:1<\/p>\n

\u201cGlory be to Him who did take His servant for a Journey by night from the Sacred Sanctuary to the farthest Sanctuary, whose precincts We did bless\u2026.\u201d
<\/em>\u2013\u00a0<\/span>The Koran<\/a>, Sura Al-Isra\u2019 17:1<\/p>\n

source: Jewish Virtual Library<\/a><\/p>\n

Jerusalem Complicated and Intense \u2013 The Wailing Wall<\/h3>\n

I want to catch the incredible light, so we are up at dawn. We walk through the Arab section, past\u00a0the Wailing Wall.\u00a0I was in awe. At dawn, along the Wailing Wall, we see people praying in the mystical morning light.<\/p>\n

Past the praying at the Wall, we walk by the holy spot. I almost didn\u2019t understand what I was watching because my guide said, \u201cdont talk.\u201d At that moment, I stood next to the Wailing Wall. That moment I realized this was the Wailing Wall, and I almost missed it.<\/p>\n

Now, a little past dawn, we continue to walk past the only remaining part of the Great Temple. We turn the corner and enter the Temple Mount (Haram Es Sharif).<\/p>\n

\"Jerusalem,<\/p>\n

Jerusalem Complicated and Intense<\/h3>\n

Entering the Temple Mount (Haram Es Sharif) and the Dome of the Rock (two mosques at this site)<\/p>\n

\"Jerusalem<\/p>\n

We Walk\u00a0\u2013 Past Security<\/h3>\n

\"Jerusalem<\/p>\n

Jerusalem Complicated and Intense<\/h3>\n

\"Jerusalem<\/p>\n

Temple Mount (Haram Es Sharif), Dome of the Rock<\/h3>\n

The Dome of the Rock is one of four buildings on the site. We see we are the first to arrive \u2013 no tourists anywhere. Between prayer times, seeing the inside of the mosque, if you are Muslim, may be possible.<\/p>\n

\"Jerusalem<\/p>\n

The Temple Mount (Haram Es Sharif) and Dome of the Rock<\/h3>\n

Unbelievably, sometimes non-Muslims enter the Holy Mosque. Typically, visitors only see the outside of the Mosques on this site.<\/p>\n

Man in Black<\/h3>\n

Something interesting. Look at the photo.<\/p>\n

Do you see the man in black? I wonder who he is?<\/p>\n

Why is he dressed all in black?<\/p>\n

First of all, who is he? Is he from the DaVinci Code?<\/p>\n

Quietly, we move into the courtyard.<\/p>\n

\"Dome<\/p>\n

\"Jerusalem<\/p>\n

Jerusalem Complicated and Intense \u2013 Speaking to the Guard<\/h3>\n

Cautiously, Zafer hands his Bible to me.<\/p>\n

Put the Bible in my purse. He says.<\/p>\n

I do. He walks through the whole square, sizing up the situation before approaching the guard.<\/p>\n

He walks through the whole square, sizing up the situation before approaching the guard.<\/p>\n

First of all, Zafar speaks to the guard in Arabic. The conversation is polite chit-chat. Yet, he smiles until they are both laughing. To me, it is almost like the men are joking. He smiles more. I smile, and the guard and I don\u2019t make eye contact. Then, I look down away from the guard\u2019s eyes, out of respect for the guard. As I listen, I understand a few words, but unfortunately, not many.<\/p>\n

The Guard<\/h3>\n

The guard asks me a question. My fatal mistake: I answered in English. Maybe because of this, the tone of the conversation changes. As a result, any chance of entering the Mosque ends. Zafer talks quietly, then some more. He smiles, laughs, and says, politely, \u201cSalam (Goodbye)\u201d to the guard.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Jerusalem Complicated and Intense \u2013 Time to Leave<\/h3>\n

Zafar takes my arm as we walk away. I continue taking pictures. Although I didn\u2019t get in, I am happy. We tried. The people in the courtyard study.<\/p>\n

The Holy Mosque area is a great experience. For the rest of the day, the best of\u00a0Jerusalem is mine. We continue through the old Arab quarters.<\/p>\n

Commentary<\/b><\/p>\n

Can you imagine going to the Vatican in Rome and finding only Christians welcome?<\/p>\n

Because I am a Christian, I can\u2019t enter the Mosque.<\/p>\n

To me, sectarianism is hard to understand. How is one person any more or less worthy than another person to enter a building? Unfortunately, entrance to Mosques, some Orthodox churches, and sacred places is restricted to women and non-believers.<\/p>\n

I embrace inclusiveness. All are welcome in a church.<\/span><\/p>\n

After visiting Jerusalem, I am grateful that all people are equal. Everyone is equal.<\/p>\n

\"JerusalemTherefore, I hope that my photos illustrate why I think Jerusalem is beautiful, complicated, and intense.<\/p>\n

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