Jerusalem is in danger

Ezreal, Your posts are getting swampy and you are falling off the edge of credibility .... Dutch

Mazen-- Indeed, you are right this article has such a racist perspective. I cannot believe our country's aid goes towards supporting this evil ideology in Israel. But I blame the Jewish lobby groups for this. Both for deceiving the general public and pressuring lawmakers to sign on the bottom line for Israel against their better judgement. This evil must be stopped and I know we must all play a role in exposing it. This shames our Western values and it violates all our Human Rights laws and International law. Dutch

"Israel bombarded the church of nativity and laid a siege on it for 90 days just few years ago." There really is no proof that Israel "bombarded" the Church of the Nativity, but they did lay siege to it. You should thank G-d that they did as well, being a Christian. Even the priests inside knew the importance of cleaning out the Muslim terrorists from the site. They themselves said that if only one terrorist was buried there, it could lay precedence for the site becoming a shrine to Muslim martyrs. So instead of visiting the Church on Christmas, you'd be listening to Muslim prayers as they build a Mosque over your church!

"Caliph Omar himself instructed to locate and inhabit 500 jewish families in Jerusalem because He said they have a right to this land." According to this comment made by Meow, the Caliph Omar says that the Jewish families he moved to Jerusalem had a RIGHT to this land. Judging from the time period, the number of children per generation, and the number of generations - around 3 millions Jews should be in Jerusalem and have right to this land. Sounds like a RIGHT OF RETURN to me. Thanks Meow, we'll take it!

In short: a divided Jerusalem, or no Jerusalem at all.

The Philistines were not Cannanites.They were one of the Sea Peoples a confederation of peoples from the Aegean ,Greece and the coast of Asia Minor,as such they were Indo Europeans.When their two invasions of Egypt failed they then settled in the coastal region Of Cannan around 1200bc.

The next Palestinian honor-revenge war against the Israelis may afford the opportunity to alter the demographic balance in Jerusalem.

"dont you dare give me a history lesson" Being a retired history teacher that is exactly what I intend to do. FACT: 1000 BCE: David, a Jewish Hebrew King rules in Jerusalem. FACT: 636 CE: Muslim armies conquer Jerusalem. QUESTION: According to the facts provided, who was there first?

The religious symbol of Christians is not the Christmas tree. It is the cross. Gifts of trees do not change the spitting by Yeshiva students on the cross , on priests AND on the Jew( mentioned in Post #40) that walked beside the priest. It is of the of the outmost insolence and insult to the Christians to have someone spit on the cross and to top it off during a religious procession. It's an insult to ANYONE to be spitted on. If someone spits on the rabbis and the Star of David, will gifts of dreidals make it okay then? I don't think so. Getting free trees does not change the fact that those individual Yeshiva guys and their teachers should be fined by their rude, obscene actions towards people of other religions and their religious symbols . Poster #30 Schlomo is correct.

The Temple Mount will open to all: "mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people!"

Yoram: As a christian Palestinian whose house in West Jerusalem was stolen by a Polish Jewish family in 1948, I am happy to take your offer, Mecca for Jerusalem. You take Mecca, Palestinian take Jerusalem. Though I am a christian, I know most of the palestinians care more about Jerusalem than Mecca. I am aware that this was meant to be a challenge to the palestinians, but you and most of the Jews, and the western world for that matter, always forget that there is an important and vital minority of Palestinians who are Christians. In contrast to the Israeli propaganda, Christian Palestinians were ethnically cleansed in 1948 in many villages in the Galillee and many Christian Palestinians rot in Israeli jails for political reasons. Israel bombarded the church of nativity and laid a siege on it for 90 days just few years ago. Imagine what would happen to the American public opinion if they realize that their Christina brothers and sisters are oppressed and subjugated in the holy land?

Jesus loves the Jews, and loves Israel. Please don't be offended, but He can't stand the idea of Paletinian terrorists controlling Bet Lechem and the Christian Holy Sites in Jerusalem. Arafat's demands about flying the Palestinian flag of Islamic terror over the Christian Holy Sites of the Holy One of Israel are unHoly. Jesus will return and make peace, and every family in Israel will mourn for their Moshiach's travail, but I doubt we'll see any Canaanites in the New Jerusalem!!

trade you Jerusalem for Mecca. Any takers?

There is a blockade around Jerusalem preventing all the people from Gaza to even visit Jerusalem let alone pray in Al-Haram Al-Sharif, the third sacred place in Islam. Worst, Christian Palestinians are not allowed to enter Jerusalem, a travesty in my humbled view. No Arab is allowed to enter Israel save the Jordanians and the Egyptians. Almost one fifth of the world, the Muslims, are not able to visit Jerusalem for a variety of reasons caused mainly by its illegal annexation which is not recognized even by our own misguided government, the USA On Friday, Israel allows only Palestinians who are over 45 years old to enter the city to pray in Al-masjid Al-Aqsa. The free access is the latest joke by the Israel-firster crowd. Imagine what would happen if one talks about maintaining a Christian majority in New York city? I will leave you with this question to ponder and reflect. God bless all of you.

The Philistines landedd on the coast of Cannan at about the same time as earliest Israel was forming in what is now the west bank.The Philistines were one group of people from the Aegean and so greek and indo europeans who fled the downfall of Mycenean civilisation in arond 1200 bc.They tried to invade Egypt but when that failed landed on the coast of Cannan.The Israelites who were formed in part by indeginous semites and immigrating semites are more indegineous to Cannan than were the Philisties originally.There is no connection between modern palestinians and Philistines.Philistines were not even semites but Indo Europeans.Inany event they ceased to be a people after the Babylobians destroyed them in around 580bc.There cities were largely repopualted by people from Tyre under the direction of the Persians.Ever read a history book Meow?

Islam in your mind "liberated" Jerusalem and its inhabitants from the vestiges of the Roman empire but it then subjugated the locals into being second class citizens under the pride of their new militant religion. Jews had to pay them taxes while bowing, they could not bear arms or ride horses, and they were subject to local Muslim laws, etc. And, G-d forbid that (in the isolated cases where the local Jewish population welcomed relief from the oppression of their previous Roman masters) if these people had then verbally questioned or challenged the "prophetic" doctrines of Mohammed like the Jews back in Arabia, they would have been immediately slaughtered in like fashion. Islam spread with religious, imperial zeal throughout the Middle East not by gentle reasoning and theological debate with neighboring nations having different beliefs, but by the crazed and lethal flaunting of Surah 8:39's intolerance for other faiths. I'm sure your version of Islam would love to "liberate" modern Jerusalem from the Israelis. What practical improvements could they expect from that move? Seeing the beloved tombstones of their ancestors on the Mount of Olives being torn up and used again as paving stones for Arab latrines (as was the case with Jordan before the Six Day War), seeing their Temple Mount area scourged of historical Jewish traces and having revisionist texts forced upon their youth, etc.? No thanks. If anything, Islam has to first liberate itself from its suppression of women, its false pride and bloody military quest for world domination, its intolerance of other faiths, and lastly, its automatic self forgiveness and clearing of conscience for lying to the "infidel" non-Muslims about any issue because they are scum in comparison. By the way, the Philistines were one of several Canaanite tribes living in the land when the Hebrews eventually settled there and sorry, there is no mystical DNA match between them and the Palestinians of today, regardless of their desperate grasp for political straws.

In 1845, the Prussian Consul General in Jerusalem, Dr. Schultze, estimated that there were 7,120 Jews, 5,000 Muslims, and 3,390 Christians.

You ask what's my point? This is my point: Palestinians hold the status of "permanent resident" of the State of Israel. This is the same status granted to foreign citizens who have freely chosen to come to Israel and want to live there. Israel treats Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem as immigrants, who live in their homes at the beneficence of the authorities and not by right. The authorities maintain this policy although these Palestinians were born in Jerusalem, lived in the city, and have no other home. Treating these Palestinians as foreigners who entered Israel is astonishing, since it was Israel that entered East Jerusalem in 1967. Permanent residency differs substantially from citizenship. The primary right granted to permanent residents is to live and work in Israel without the necessity of special permits. Permanent residents are also entitled to social benefits provided by the National Insurance Institute and to health insurance. Permanent residents have the right to vote in local elections, but not in elections to Knesset.

"May I remind you that according to UN resolutions and decisions, Israel`s administration of East Jerusalem and West Bank are perfectly legal PENDING A FINAL AGREEMENT on their final status" The administration of occupied territory by the occupier is perfectly legal (though Israel's understanding of 'administration' is in violation of some articles of the Geneva Convention). The annexation is illegal and remains therefore internationally unrecognized. Mind the difference.

Dear Ms.Kim up the wall, While I do believe in a God of us all, I don't believe he was selective in who He loved. The Jewish belief that they are somehow 'chosen' and heirs to land that God gave them is a self-proclaimed belief. The Jews believe their own PR. Nevertheless, I don't fault the Jews for this, most religions claim to have a direct pipeline to the Almighty. As for the Palestinians, I don't believe that what they are dying for is unattainable. Jerusalem will ultimately be shared.

In case, they already had few bandits, they have taken in Hibullah thugs, from what I have read.

Mr. Amirav, Don't worry about the NIS 2 Billion debit, An American Congresssman will no doubt propose to Congress that we "LEND" Israel the money to cover the 2 Billion and after it is a "done deal" the Congressman in a few months will call for another vote in which We write it off and Israel will never have to PAY. Americans have to foot the cost. As the glib Netanyahu has several times said on American (FOX no doubt) TV : "Israel has never defaulted on a loan" So not to worry! JA

Lavi I have no idea where you got that imperfect,totally incorrect and misleading history extract from but i wish you wouldve spent some moment goggling for islamic positive and compassionate influence over Jerusalem also. By the way to be exact!Islam LIBERATED Jerusalem not in 7AD!!!!!!!!!!!GET YOU HISTORY LESSON CORRECTED. write Caliph Omar and Jerusalem in Goggle and get it right for once.Caliph Omar Liberated Jerusalem from the Romans in mid 8 century AD,The romans were brutal and fierce And at the time the little number of jews and local inhabitants welcomed the muslims who were compassionate and showed mercy towards them which actually shocked and took the people by surprise and they flocked to embrace teh Religion which is so compassionate.Many jews had fled the roman percecution from Jerusalem after Muslims took Jerusalem Caliph Omar himself instructed to locate and inhabit 500 jewish families in Jerusalem because He said they have a right to this land. I wish you people for once admit the truth,Muslims have never hated you or willingly inflicted pain upon you,History si a witness to that. Speaking of ancient Philitines dont forget they were the rightful inhabitants of the region before the wandering Jews made home here.

Before Jordan it was ruled by the British,before that the Ottomans. Stop rewriting history. Whatever you get back your next demand will be the "key" to peace. The "key" to peace is all Israel the map shown by the PA last week at the UN. The last time the Arabs "owned" Jerusalem,Jews were not allowed anywhere near their Holy sites and you talk of "relocating" Khazzars who look like Wasps--your terminology. A fine example of racist crying "victim"

Would you also send me to Beloruss or would you risk angering Assad? Since you seem to know all, what final solution would you have for me, the same one that awaited the Kuwaitis?

It is true that around 1860 Jerusalem had a Jewish majority. I think 1840 is the time that the Jews were the single largest ethnic/religious group in Jerusalem.

You dare to say blasphomy against our Beloved Prophet when you guys are the hated for the right reasons,you are the occupiers and opressors. You stole Jerusalem,dont you dare give me a history lesson. Who cares if you had Jerusalem light years back,Its ours now,face the present the life ground realities,NOW our times is what we live in and the Present proves you are the invaders and land theives.You stole it. We only have rights over land and places which are sacred and worth cherish and its our deepest love for Jerusalem and that nostalgia when we har the honour of protecting Jerusalem and Pride of serving it. We Love Jerusalem truly and eternally We need our love back.

Yes Moshe Amirave You hit the nail right on the spot,The arabs are a Problem,a potential threat in the near future to overflood Holy Jerusalem as well as rest of ISrael,The arabs have a high birth rate,The arabs couldnot be relocated after so much plans and efforts by the previous Government Policies to achieve 90% of jewish majority and its also arabs fault that your castle like encompassing of Our Jerusalem has also failed. What does it tell you???Enough land grabbing. You go back where you came from and give us back what you stole in 1967 from us.we Won't fight you,we are "MUSLIMS" who stand for Justice and Peace our most precious values. You will actually earn our respect! Really guys we mean that!

Jerusalem Municipal Press Release Jerusalem, December 19, 2005 סימוכין: 2005-0225-3831 THE JERUSALEM MUNCIPALITY TO DISTRIBUTE HUNDREDS OF CHRISTMAS TREES The Jerusalem municipality will hold its annual Christmas tree distribution on Thursday, 22/12/05, at the Jaffa Gate Plaza, between 09:00-12:00. The trees are given free to everyone who asks and shows and ID (For registration). The trees were donated by "Keren Kayemet Le'Israel ? Jewish National Fund". The Christmas tree distribution is a long standing tradition of the Jerusalem Municipality, taking place for dozens of years, and is symbolic of the way Jerusalem unites all three monotheistic religions. The mayor of Jerusalem, Uri Lupolinaksi, wishes a Merry Christmas to the Christian residents of Jerusalem and a year of peace, tolerance and brotherhood. The mayor invites people from all religions to come and visit Jerusalem, the capital of Israel. Now read: http://www.anglicansforisrael.com/docs/2005/12/19/do-they-know-it%e2%80%99s-christmas/

"Besides, apart from race, former nationality and religion they are mostly British citzens with full civil rights, something you deny to occupied Arabs." Hasn't preventing them from blowing up London and spreading their hate messages in the mosques of London, Manchester and Leeds, has it? Again, the residents of East Jewusalem has the option of being full-fledged Israeli citizens because Jerusalem in its entirety is in Israel. The West Bank has never been annexed and the residents of PA controlled areas are and never were Israeli citizens. So what's your point?

They started by calling themselves "Palestinians". Then they started saying Jerusalem is theirs, at least East Jerusalem, etc. They go step by step. As a conclusion, I think Israel should give them nothing. First, let them cool down and later on we'll see.

Throughout history people have not necessarily lived in places where they have (the right of) 'self-determination'. The Jews of Brooklyn or any place in Europe do not demand 'self determination' but live under the sovereignty of those countries. I tseems to be a Moslem thing to require sovereignty wherever they live. The Palestinians who want to live under their own sovereignty have every opportunity to do so in Gaza and the West Bank under the PA jurisdiction. If they want to live under Moslem sovereignty they have 22 + Moslem countries to choose from. For anyone living anywhere is a matter of choice. East Jerusalem residents have the option of being full-fledged Israeli citizens. Some have taken up the option but the majority have not. Again, a matter of choice.

"If you give the Arabs East Jerusalem, then they will say the Jews are occupying West Jerusalem" Hi Kim, You are making a very valid point. From some of the postings (ie # 27) that I have been monitoring here it is evident that Palestinian opinion has not matured enough to allow a peaceful and fruitful discussion. Until the Palestinian majority recognise Israel's right to exist, the time for a permanent settlement is not here.

for the future Israel a truly jewish one with hopefully peaceful neighbours

"Report of the Commerce of Jerusalem During the Year 1863," F.O. 195/808, May 1864. ". . . The population of the City of Jerusalem is computed at 15,000, of whom about 4,500 Moslem, 8,000 Jews, and the rest Christians of various denominations. . ." From A.H. Hyamson, ed., The British Consulate in Jerusalem, 2 vols. (London, 1939-1941), Vol. 2, p. 331.

Aid $1 billion from USA and 300 million from EU may stop if Hamas wins pa elections ?? Why should the infidels fund Islam so they can kill Israelis and western Infidels ??? Saudi Arabia , who has spent $ 60 billion over 20 years spreading its militant Wahabi sect of Islam over the whole world in order to defeat the infidels - should meet the whole cost . The world is allowing itself to be intimidated , manipulated and dominated by Saudi Arabia and other Islamic oil states in exchange for oil . If Saudi Arabia refuse to fund the terrorist pa , the west should refuse also .

"In order for a just, and therefore sustainable, peace to be achieved Israel must cede control of all the territory that they have illegally occupied since 1967, this includes East Jerusalem with possible exception to the Wailing Wall." May I remind you that according to UN resolutions and decisions, Israel's administration of East Jerusalem and West Bank are perfectly legal PENDING A FINAL AGREEMENT on their final status, especially in light of the fact that these areas were not under control of a recognized sovereign. You can talk about 'the Palestinian people' at your own leisure, it does not change the fact that such a nation or country has not existed and cannot be retroactively created. Incidentally, if East Jerusalem is considered illegally occupied by law, then what makes the 'Wailing Wall' a possible exception?

If we TURN BACK to him with all our heart , soul , strength and might- confessing our sin and rebellion against him - He will turn back to us and restore us. Why ? Because he is full of Grace , Mercy and Hessed . It is written in Vayikra ( Leviticus ) 26 : 40-42 . ......" If they shall confess their iniquity , and the iniquity of their fathers , with their trespass which they trespassed against me , and that also they have walked contrary unto me : And I also have walked contrary unto them , and have brought them into the land of their enemies ; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled , and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity ; Then will I remember My Covenant with Ja'cob , and also My Covenant with I'saac , and also My Covenant with A'braham will I remember ; and I will remember the land . ......"

happy hanukah

I believe you are able to educate yourself and learn why the Jews are the chosen people and what this means, which is no privilege, although you seem to think it is and to be jealous of it. If you don't care about it, you should at least care about history, and Jerusalem has been the Jews' capital for milenia. Could you now explain which the "Pals" base their claim on?

and exactly who do you think you are fooling

Thank G-d the writer of this article no longer advises anyone important!

The city of Jerusalem that you want to "recover" is something you took by force from the Byzantium Empire (remnants of the world-power Roman Empire who had previously taken this city from the Jews by force) in the 7th Century when the militaristic thrust of the Islamic sword was swinging with indiscriminate fervour throughout the middle east. Why did your ancestors brutally invade a people back then that were not threathening you and then covet their land and homes? Were you somehow crowded for space in the desert environs of now Saudi Arabia? Oh, and did your ancestors feel any guilt at the time for the innocent victims of this takeover? So, you then build the Al Aksa mosque and the Dome of the Rock (around 691 AD) on a partially destroyed platform on Mount Moriah. Edifices of this sort need proper structural support, hence the large retaining walls and the supporting, subterranean vaulted arches to support the base platform and the proposed superstructure around this hilltop. How convenient that such an infrastructure was for the most part already there (even after previous Roman attempts of destruction) to accomodate your proud Islamic vision of having superceded both Judaism and Christianity and being the true religion for all mankind at whatever cost! In fact, the Temple Mount development that currently supports the Islamic buildings above began about 1700 years before Mohammed was born and it was designed and constructed by Hebrew speaking Israelite engineers at the time. (An analogy can be drawn here between this physical Jewish structure currently supporting the Islamic religious institutions above and Judaism's infrastructure and borrowed religious influence in the creation of Islam as a religion with its belief in one G-D, etc.). This platform was somewhat modest in size at King Solomon's time and even more spartan when the impoverished Jewish people returned from exile in ancient Babylon to rebuild it, but it took on a grand appearance along with the City of Jerusalem during the rebuilding of the Temple in King Herod's time, still about 700 yrs. before Islam invaded the area. The Romans renamed this area as "Palestine" (actually "Philistinia" to provoke the Israelites and remind them of their ancient enemies, the Philistines) because the small Jewish nation fought tenaciously in 66-70 AD against this world power who tried to subjugate them and suppress their religion. If the arabic speaking Palestinians now feel a strong connection to this land, imagine how much stronger a feeling the hebrew speaking Israelis have in this, their ancient and only homeland.

Maybe it's only my read on this story but ... It seems the artificial modern city is choking on itself. "City Limits" change over time as is best for the city. It seems the current "City Limits" are not healthy. Why not separate the Israeli and Palestinian sectors? There is no religious myth connected to the modern city. It's logical and considers the humanity of the "facts on the ground." It is the walled Old City that inshirnes the hearts and souls of all of the worshippers of the God of Abraham. Currently Muslims go to al Aqsa, Jews prey at Kotel and Christians walk the Via Delarosa. The modern city is Caesar's. The Old City is God's. The entire Walled Old City IS God's Third Temple, IMHO.

palestinians can not control their own current territories infested with hamas and other garbage bandits. Letting those barbarians get close to Jewish and International holly places will result in what it was before Jews took care of Jerusalem.

"Are you implying that the 3 million muslims in Britain should also have the right to rule themsleves"? This question is as ridiculous as revealing of your mindset. These 3 million are not an ethnic minority, their only common denominator is religion, and self-determination applies to peoples, not to religions. Besides, apart from race, former nationality and religion they are mostly British citzens with full civil rights, something you deny to occupied Arabs.

Post zionist historians have given sufficient evidence disproving the bulk of the zionist narrative. As to your points: 1. Israel has not abided by any of its commitments to the Road map, to any of the UN resolutions. It has not dismantled the hilltop outposts though it commited to doing so earlier this year. 2. Concrete steps to make it more realistic for peace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Are you joking??? The entire colonialist settlement enterprise is looked upon as in contravention of international law by every civilised country in the world, excpet Israel and some AIPAC paid agents in the US Congress! This has been going on for over 35 years and you claim the palestinians are uncompromising? 3. The Palestinians have shown a willingness to compromise. Arafat was ready to cede the Kotel and the Jewish Qt. to Israeli sovereignty. 4. Barak is the one who set up his three red lines before entering into negotiations with Arafat and Clinton. Arafat was equally uncompromising on the Temple Mount issue for the same reason Barak was. Barak was not ready to go to the worldwide Jewish community and say that he had ceded sovereignty over the Temple Mount to the Muslims and Arafat was not willing to go to the worldwide Islamic community and tell them he had ceded control over the haram to non-Muslims. I too could go on and on. But let me say that the pre-1967 bordersd are not written in stone. What is written in stone is that any land adjustment of borders must be agreed upon by both parties and it must be mile for mile that will allow for a contiguous Palestinian state with its capital in Jerusalem. If the terrorists persist in attacking Israel after the formation of a mutually agreed upon Palestinians state, then such attacks would be an act of agression and Israel would have the right to defend herself and reeive the support of the international community in doing so, as an internationally recognised state rather than as a 40 year old ongoing occupier.

Once again Khalid, you have opened your mouth and let ignorance and idiocy spout forth. The reason therevis no peace in the mideast is because you dont want it. As usual you turn the tables, showing your malignancy to the world. Only now under the Israeli "occupation" do all people regardless of religion have the right to come to Jerusalem and pray at their holy sites. Tell me Khalid, is this theinhumane "occupation" that you speak of? The palestinians have contributed nothing toward a peaceful society in the "occupied" lands. I thank Allah every day for the moral actions of the Israelis. They bring the elements of morality and humanity into our midst. Where is the morality among our people? Is it the fact that i must write here under a psuedo-name so that I and my family do not suffer retribution at the hands of my own people. It is a sick world out there and only the Israelis are working to combat the negative forces out there. Khalid, enough distorting the facts and accept the truth. You dont want peace. Its not on your agenda.

jerusalem never ever in history been safe like now,never been developed like now,never been has that much jewish population like now,never been has successfull from the economy and the tourits like now,neve been has jewish strong army like now,never been has that much support form the out side world like now,never been open to all religion like now,and evrey day will be more blooing,jerusalem will not divide

Now, thanks to the voice of reason emanating from the Yaakovin faction we are able to root out the 'villains' causing mischief in the land: the Yeshiva students, the rabbis, the 'hilltop youth', the Likudniks, the Sharonites, the 'Orange', the Haredim. Perhaps he will also extend the condemnation to the moderate laborites, all of Shinui, all Zionists, and the Knesset in general. When he is criticized, he lashes out in fury in a hateful fashion. It is the narrowness of his own mind and smallness of his own world that cause him to notice only those few among the Israelis who are narrow minded as he is, rather than acknowledge that the huge majority of Israelis are light years away from his planet and that of other extremists.

for once, look at the real world. jerusalem is already divided between a jewish city and an arab one. Furthermore, these people ignore each other. let them live apart their own life : west jerusalem for jews and east for arabs. and stop speaking in behalf of god.

'Ever stumbled across the basic human right of self-determination?' The palestinians seem to have stumbled over it as soon as they became under jewish rule. They can rule themselves in gaza and Jordan. Are you implying that the 3 million muslims in Britain should also have the right to rule themsleves? They can in so much as local council and thats how it should be in The longest jewish only city on earth.

Palestinian CAN do things that satisfy my opinion on what they should do. At the moment I just don't think they will do anything like it. Those two things are not contradictory to each other. In my view, palestinians can not be trusted for several reasons: 1. They have systematically broken agreements they have made 2. They refuse to do anything concrete to make situation more realistic for peace agreement 3. They have shown no will for compromise, and no will to understand any other viewpoint than their own 4. They have said it themselves, that until their demands are met, they are not interested in ending terrorism whatsoever. That can be recognised as blackmailing. I could go on with this list for ling time, but I cut this short this time. Judging by their own actions, I really cannot find any reason why I or anyone else should trust them. If you disagree with that, I would like to hear your answer, why do you think they can be trusted. Also, you are wrong with you accusation of expanding. I did support withdrawal from Gaza, even though I knew in advance that it will bring more problems. Also, you stick with your demand of pre 1967 armistice lines as borders, but I have never seen any argument from you, that would JUSTIFY that kind of demand. I refer to authors of resolution 242, arab responsibility for provoking 1967 war and facts on the ground that would make such move unwise and almost impossible to accomplish. Tell me, what is the justification of demand of withdrawal, and maybe we can have a little conversation and see which arguments hold water and which ones don't. In addition, palestinians are responsible for their own actions and if you really are going to suggest that they did not have anything to do with arab wars against Israel, I think you really need a huge amount of blind faith to believe something like that. Don't forget that most palestinian refugees are because of arab aggression, and in my view, they are therefore responsible for miserable situation of palestinians. Judging by your completely one sided arguments, I find it rather funny that you are trying to bark at me for lack of justice. Especially when your accusations are usually product of your own prejudice. Besides, I have not created anything that palestinians could hold me accountable for. but looking this as an outsider, I find their demands both unrealistic and unfair. So are your demands, because you fail completely to take palestinian responsibilities and action into account. If they are handed over those pre 1967 borders and compensation without their own effort to put their terrorists under control, they are the ones who will get out of the mess they have been creating for decades, and in my opinion, that is everything but justice.

I refer you to the article taken from ZHa'aretz and the quotes of Israeli authorities. This attitude of contempt is pervasive and must be confronted and not denied. You wish to see it only as a problem of the Arabs, where they learn to look at the Jews with contempt. Do me a favour Shlomo, ask the Greeks or the Armeinas how many times this happened when the city was under Jordan? Hoew many preists were knocked down, how many crosses spat on, how many preists spat on or cursed by Muslims? Ask them and then get back to me. Until that time. go into the yeshivas of the Old City, for a start, and teach them what you believe Judaism should represent to the non-Jew.

I answered you that if what you said is true, it's disgusting and reprehensible. This is not true Judaism, not mine, not the one of most Jews. The Jerusalem police should stop them and bring the responsibles to trial. Just as mad as the one who phoned this afternoon saying PM Sharon will be killed.

One more reason to press ahead with a two state solution, it will allow Israel to address the many outstanding issues put on hold by this conflict.That so many seem willing to fiddle while the world around them burns is one of the roots of so mnay problems.Israel must end this massive welfare sub culture of the ultra orthodox who use the money they recieve from from the state via taxes on working peoples salary to turn around and spit on those people and the state and to live in self imposed ghettos that are socialy stagnant and economicaly passive.Why the non orthodox accept this servitude is another question for the great philosphers I guess.Reform of the electoral system is another outstanding issue again unresolved , that will help limit the black mail power of these cults over the majority.I can only imagine Shinui demanding eternal student status and the welfare that comes with it for every member of their party who attends university, itis on the same level.Israel needs reform at the root and untill their is a solution with the Palestinians all these issues will only fester and complicate everything even more.Their are multiple reenforcing vicious cylcles going on in Israel, a solution with the Palestinians will slow down the main mototr of all this disfucntion and allow the time aspace energy attention and money saved to be used to deal with these issues.The march of Folly goes on it seems.

"Why can`t the arabs just live under Jewish sovriengty." Ever stumbled across the basic human right of self-determination?

The strides Israel has made with it's arab population by far outweigh other western societies in such a short period/ Austraila, france are just a couple of countries where there are frequent news items about discrimination to ethnic minorites. Get Real!

According to what sources did it have a Jewish majority in 1840? Does this source distinguish between Christian and Muslim Arabs, or consider them as one group?

the majority of posters who are against israel are those who do not live here - i have read your tripe and your views the surprise is that other than nobody here in israel bothers to take you seriously the palestinians are enver going to see a divided jerusalem - we both know it - you may want it (as if i care) stay in the good old us of a and keep writing you are goign to change zilch no surprises there boy chick - just a reminder of how far you are goign to get dont bother with the history lessons - go live in ramallah bm

Hi JoJO, You write,"Why can't the Arabs just live under Jewish sovereignty. Why are they complaining? The have citizenship..." I think everyone is aware of the treatment given to Israeli Arabs. I am aware of Jewish attitudes toward non-Jews. Let each people rule themselves.

For you Palestinians can never possible do enough to satisfy your denands. Further, they, in your view, cannot be trusted, therefore it is pointless to compromise with them. Your philosophy is based on the premise: "grab all you can when you can and expand, expand, expand. The agreed upon, just borders will be those of 1967, or otherwise mutually agreed upon, mile for mile land exchange, with a shared jerusalem. Palestinians are not responsible for Jews from Arab countries who were returning to the land of Zion which they had been longing for for millenia. Take it up with the Arab countries that the Jews abondoned. Israel must pay compensation for the Palestinians it drove out or caused to flee. Israel is responsible for creating the problem and they must pay. if you want compensation get it from those countries or let the Jews return and reclaim their property. That of course would be highly unlikely, since most of the Jews would choose not to return, unlike many Palestinians who still see Palestine as their home and a place to return to, unlike the Jews from Arab countries. You are not interested in justice, just getting out of having to pay for what you created.

160 years of a Jewish majority. Is there any other city in the modern world where Jews have been the majority for so long? Why can't the arabs just live under Jewish sovriengty. Why are they complaining? They have citizenship, unlike the arabs in the West bank!? Is it below their dignity to be ruled by Jews? Are Jews people of a lesser G-d? as Khalid would put it!

Hi Kim up the wall, You write,'Does God have preferential ties to Arab/Muslim people and so they should be given Jerusalem?' This is fundamentalism? Please educate me then by explaining the Jewish claim that Jews are chosen by God. That God gave the Jews land... Does the pot call the kettle black?

Mos of palestinians are allowing their emotions to control their sense of objectivity and demands. You don't seem to have problem with that. PA may have recognised Israel at some degree, but they have failed to bring that acknowledgement to their education system for example. They still allow and encourage hatred towards jews and Israel and they always refuse to put their terrorists under control. That is far from real recognition if you ask me. If my neighbour behaved in silmilar manner, there would be no question if he recognises my rights or not. And there would be no question which one of us would be expelled from the neighbourhood either. Also, time cannot be turned back to the times of second temple. I also question if it can be turned back to 1967 either - realities have changed dramatically since then. And as it is stated by authors of resolution 242, demanding Israel to withdraw to armistice lines would be both artificial and unfair. Also, Israel has recieved absolutely no compensation for refugees they absorded from arab countries. Why should palestinians be compensated? Afterall, it was arabs who provoked 1967 war and it was them who attacked in 1972. If palestinians want compensation, maybe they should ask for it from arab countries.

Benveniste,Finkelstein,Chomsky. 2nd rate Hack, discredited political scientist and professor of linguistics respectively. They are your sources for this information? "there was no Moses, no exodus from Egypt, no firts or second temple, no holocaust". Yet Finklestein is the son of holocaust survivors? QUE???? Talking of swamps. How long since you left yours?

12/7/2005 Clip No. 964 Jews Turn into Apes and Pigs in an Clay-mation Film for Children on Hizbullah TV http://www.memritv.org/Transcript.asp?P1=964 11/29/2005 Clip No. 962 Lebanese Students at a Hizbullah TV Symposium: We Should Fight the Jews and Burn Them Like Hitler. Israel Should Be Wiped Off the Map http://www.memritv.org/Transcript.asp?P1=962

If you give the Arabs East Jerusalem, then they will say the Jews are occupying West Jerusalem and, given that they say Jerusalem is the "Pals" capital, this will reinforce their claim that Israel is the "Occupied Palestine". I think it would be a terrible mistake to give them even a tiny part of Jerusalem.

What claim do the Arabs have to Israel? Does G-d have preferential ties to the Arab/ Muslim people and so they should be given Jerusalem?

never!

No, Jerusalem is not in danger. 6000 years showed: it will survive. People's minds are in danger. If you want to monopolize all that has always been diversified, except when fanatics, may they be jewish, muslem or christian took power, well, go ahead. Sane and responsible management however shows a different way. What do we really want with East Jerusalem? Do we want power over building activities, parking policy, over birth registration, over the establishment of a supermarket? If so, why? And for once, forget that God's land nonsence If Palestinans rule over their own gutters, it can still be God's land. Unless one has no faith in God's ability to rule in the absence of jewish presence. Well, then God already left 2000 years ago.

East Jerusalem was occupied by the Arabs who attacked Israel in 1948. Israel reconquered it in 1967.

According to Daniel Rossing, former adviser to the Religious Affairs Ministry on Christian affairs and director of a Jerusalem center for Christian-Jewish dialogue, there has been an increase in the number of such incidents recently, "as part of a general atmosphere of lack of tolerance in the country." Rossing says there are certain common characeristics from the point of view of time and location to the incidents. He points to the fact that there are more incidents in areas where Jews and Christians mingle, such as the Jewish and Armenian quarters of the Old City and the Jaffa Gate. There are an increased number at certain times of year, such as during the Purim holiday. "I know Christians who lock themselves indoors during the entire Purim holiday," he says. Former adviser to the mayor on Christian affairs, Shmuel Evyatar, describes the situation as "a huge disgrace." He says most of the instigators are yeshiva students studying in the Old City who view the Christian religion with disdain. "I'm sure the phenomenon would end as soon as rabbis and well-known educators denounce it. In practice, rabbis of yeshivas ignore or even encourage it," he says. Evyatar says he himself was spat at while walking with a Serbian bishop in the Jewish quarter, near his home. "A group of yeshiva students spat at us and their teacher just stood by and watched." Excerpted from the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, October 12, 2004 SULLIVAN and THE COHEN BROTHER are both speaking the TRUTH. QUESTION: WHY are the Christians hiding behind closed doors during Purim? That Ha'aretz article does not say WHY.

Stating facts, as the article does, is not racism. Arabs are demonstrating they are a danger for Israel. It is logical for Israel to try to protect itself. It is the Arabs who want to get rid of Jews, so they are the racists.

It seems that when Arabs live in some part of another country, they think they have the right to be given the place.

Which is what you are doing and you are allowing your emotions to control your sense of objectivity. I have no idea what you mean when you write "your scholars have already acknowledged that you have no historic claim to Palestine". What scholars are you referring to and what period of history are you referring to? Jews have a deep historical connextion with Palestine/Israel and it is a connexion that predates the rise of modern Zionism by millenia. You may argue against a polical connexion during that period of time, during which Jews did not hold political power in any part of Palestine but there was an attachment, both historic, religious and emotional. That said, that connexion and attachment does not justify displacement of another people who also claim an attachment and connexion to the same land. Further the PA, as the representative of the Palestinian people has recognised Israel as a Jewish State within mutually agreed upon borders. Just as the map cannot be turned back to the time of the Second Temple, it cannot be turned back to 1948 or 1936. The reality has changed and both sides of this conflict must accept that. As for a thief being caught, Judaism teaches that restitution must be paid. This is compensation to the Palestinian refugess and I agree israel is responsible for this restitution, but to deny the Jews connexion to the Land and our right to live on it as a people, not as individuals only, is not a fair demand on your part.

Denial again from rich of london. I have no evidence whatsoever that within the present political climate, with the level of political extremism growing and strengthening in the religious parties, there is an increase in respect for other religions on the part of yeshiva bochers in the Old City. Check the record and see the number of incidents that have occured over the past few years. Judaism does not condone this conduct. You are correct. Religio/nationalism does. It is not unique to Jews. One finds such fanaticism among Muslim fundamentalists as well. I am not saying it is mainstream in either group but it is on the rise and I do not feel it is being dealt with. One only has to read many of the postings on this site to see the utter scorn and contempt which many posters relate to Muslims and Christians and that is something we MUST deal with and not sweep under the rug because it presents an unpleasant reality.

'any yeshiva bocher who insults christians in the old city does so out of ignorance - he would be severely reprimanded by his yeshiva if they were to find out.' you have got to be kidding..

You wrote of William "a psuedo informed,ill-educated post modern historian", and on the other hand is you without a single clue as to the truth here. "To say that the Palestinians only care about Al-aqsa is moronic let alone dangerous." Reality is that they don't even care about the Temple Mount. "Since 1967 Israel`s policy has been to allow the ancient city to run down and to stragulate its population with severe economic and education policies" The Jordanians did that, and Israel has spent billions to improve Jerusalem. Israel built the colleges and schools, not the Arab world. And lo and behold the Arabs within Israeli control have the highest litteracy rate among ALL Arabs in the world. Also the best health. Funny how that happens in Israel that doesn't care. "not to mention racist municipal policies" Why not to mention, easy they have no racist policies at all. "Where the palestinians are burdened with heavy taxes and recieve no services." Actually over 90% pay no taxes at all. And services based on property taxes that are not collected do have a bit of problem being funded. If they actually paid the taxes all of the services would be as good as the towns that do pay them. Surprise, works the same in America too. "decides to wipe out the schools, colleges and denies that Jerusalem has always been thriving with educated people, traders and noble residnets." Yes the majority of the city is Jewish, and has been for a very long time. They built the schools and colleges, educated the population and the Jordanians, ended all that until freedom was restored in 67. "William, having come form some Western nation, decides at his own accord to wipe out the history of the Arab city for the past 2000 years and decised to be the judge of its residents." There is no Arab history. Their legacy has been negelect and destruction. "I say if it weren`t fo the ugly occupation Jerusalem would have remianed a hub for scientists, scholars and wealth." It is, especially with out people like you. Moron!

Your posts are very informative. Where did you get your information from? Old Captain Hook from the Finsbury Park Mosque. Presently residing in Belmarsh. Or maybe the Tottenham Ayatollah, now departed for sunnier climes in Beirut. Please carry on. You are demonstrating very well, the sad results of indoctrination from birth.Quite typical in some Islamic backwaters of the mid-east.

any yeshiva bocher who insults christians in the old city does so out of ignorance - he would be severely reprimanded by his yeshiva if they were to find out....that's not our way Sullivan ... we teach our children to behave properly and abusing others is not our way...and u know it so stop spreading poison about the yeshiva bochers.

if you want ethnic cleansing then look no further than the stated goals of arab countries etc vis a vis the jews.....then turn yr attention to USA, Canada, Auz, Nzealand etc and look see whether they treat the indigenous peoples as equals.. as for Israel...we would be stupid, no suicidal not to aim for a jewish majority.....are you not aware of how the world works ? Is being a realist something you deliberately avoid ? Please don't apply for a job with my company.

To both of you, I ask that you contact the Armenian Patriarchate in the Old City. Ask them about the conduct showen to their clergy and faithful during religious processions. Ask them. Then go to the Greeks and ask them how they have been treated by yeshiva bochrim from or in the Old City. Spitting on the processional cross, curses and spittal on the clergy, derision and scorn. Where are these yeshiva boys learning this and who is teaching them this disrespect? After speaking to the Armenians and the Greeks, ask the yeshiva boys why they do it. Start at the Diaspora Yeshiva on Mt. Zion.

This has nothing to do with "people" taking mer seriously or not. It is not about me;it is about the future of Jerusalem. My head is not in a sandbox. It is clear to me that the status quo in Jerusalem simply cannot continue. That is appartent from recent comments by Israeli politicians. Ansd certainly you, as one of these deluded enough to believe that Jerusalem is at present an undivided city, could you explain your position on the demographic future of Jerusalem since ethno/religious criteria are paramount for you? Do you believe that there will be a massive aliyah to Jerusalem from the diaspora? Do you believe Palestinian Jerusalemites will leave the city as life becomes more impossible for them? Do you justify forced transfers, voluntary transfer? Ghettoisation in which the Arab districts would be cut off from Jerusalem? What is the position of BM? And what is the surprise I am in for, BM?

As a result of the war against radical Islam and progress in Iraq, Egypt, and Lebanon, the ME is moving toward democratization, except the Palestinians who are moving backwards, as usual. By electing Hamas and refusing to disarm the terroist groups, the PA has told the world that they are not with the program. Israel should have no illusions now about what needs to be done. They cannot allow a terrorist state to thrive on its doorstep. It is time for Israel to fight and win their war against radical Islam in Palestine. Without utter defeat the Palestinians will not understand that they have no option but to behave

Yaacov You portray yourself as fair. However, when a thief steals something and is caught, he has to give it all back and pay penalties. This is part of Islam and maybe even Judaism. Why should we share West Jerusalem with you? Your scholars have already acknowledged that you have no historic claim to Palestine. Just get out and we promise not to bother you in Belarus

do you think (grin) anybody is ever going to take you seriously? you know israel is not going to divide the city - or is your head in a sand box somewhere. do you think that anybody is going to take to listen to some apologist in new york - if you do - are you in for a surprise bm

jerusalem is center of science, but almost all scientits are jewish, at least, i do not recall even one pal. between them. jerusalem never had any known to me arab scientists. by the way when you did have one - just one - arab scientist of any stature in arab country. out with have arab lord in england or another in triest.

You state : "Contrary to what you hardline zionists might think, God is not a real estate agent with preferential ties to the Jewish people." What do you know about it? Did God tell you something that other do not know?

Jerusalem certainly is in danger, of being lost once again to Muslim occupiers, it must not be allowed to happen. Jews were the first people to make Jerusalem into a capital before they were expelled from their homeland, it is only right that Jews have complete sovereignty over the city. At least while under Israeli control all religions will be able to pray there.

Pre-1967 West Jerusalem along with the Kotel for the Jews. East Jerusalem and the Temple Mount for the Arabs. The Old City administered by a City Council representing all segments of the communities that inhabit it-Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Armenian. If any adjustments are to be made in the eastern suburbs built up by Israel since 1967 for strictly political purposes, they will be made mutually. East Jerusalem will not be cut off from any part of the West Bank. If Israel is permitted to keep areas such as Ma'ale Adumim or Givat Ze'ev, then areas such as Nabi Samuel and Lifta will be returned to Palestine. A diplomatic tit for tat, if you will. Ma'ale Adumim will be reduced in size and population so that it does not dissect the territory of Palestine, cutting off the north from the south. This is how one should view the future of jerusalem- a model city for the rest of the world to emulate.

Contrary to what you hardline zionists might think, God is not a real estate agent with preferential ties to the Jewish people. In order for a just, and therefore sustainable, peace to be achieved Israel must cede control of all the territory that they have illegally occupied since 1967, this includes East Jerusalem with possible exception to the Wailing Wall. If on the other hand Jerusalem does eventually become internationally recognised as being under Israeli sovereignty, then it will teach rogue states the sorry lesson that if you persist in defying UN resolutions for long enough you will soon get your own way. In essence, its about time you got a bit less fundamentalist about your religious texts. Your claims to the whole of the city have resulted in the infliction of unspeakable suffering on the Palestinian people and the erosion of the credibility of international law- the very foundations of world peace. It is about time that you all abandoned your myopic and pernicious exclusivism and put the interests of humanity first.

Yes, my point is that Jerusalem is eternal and will always belong to its residents regardless of who seeks to dominate it. No, I don't think it should be controlled by Jews or anyone else for that matter. It belongs to all who do live there. Those who seek to control it will find themselves replaced by others until the issue of control becomes no issue.

The heavy construction of monstrous buildings in west Jerusalem shouldn't be forgotten, just as the disneyland-like 'rebuilding' of the Jewish quarter of the old city. Anyone who has visited the clean, straight and newly paved housing projects in the Jewish part of the old city knows what I am talking about. And let's not forget about this horrible 'urban design' of the Wailing Wall square and its huge PARKING LOT next to it. How can you have so little respect for the holiest part of your religion? And this disgusting builing project exactly next to the western wall of the old city? did anyone walk in this concrete and asphalt desert? With the ugly offices blocks and housing projects looking air conditioned at you? They say that a large part of this west Jerusalem next to the old city is bought by rich Americans that use it as vacation apartments. brr, people who love Jerusalem should be crying for the disaster of urban design in west Jerusalem.

Continue your task of islamizing Europe. Only Jews (hundred of thousands of them coming from Noth Africa or other muslim states) understand well what is happening here. And they pack or prepare their packs to return to their ancient Land, Israel. Thanks to all of you.

Is Mecca in danger? Is Vatican City in danger? Is Amistar in danger? Why is it that only Jerusalem has survived David and Solomon, Nebuchadnezzar, Alexander and Ptolemy, Maccabees and Pompey, Herod and Jesus, Bar Kochba and Hadrian, the Crusades and Saladin, the Turks and the Brits? Why didn't they want Mecca? As Christianity and Islam are the daughter religions of Judaism, it is only right that the Jews have control over Jerusalem. Why are the Muslims so intolerant?!

Jerusalem was around before it and it will be around after it. Those who live by demographics will die by demographics. Jerusalem will still be there. It will remain a thorn for those who seek dominion. It will be remain the soul of the country. It will survive a Jewish State or a Palestinian State, a Zionist agenda or an Islamist agenda. It survived David and Solomon, Nebuchadnezzar, Alexander and Ptolemy, Maccabees and Pompey, Herod and Jesus, Bar Kochba and Hadrian, the Crusades and Saladin, the Turks and the Brits. It will survive any who seek to dominate it. It is not in danger at all.

Where exactly does Yerushalayim end and Al Quds begin? No matter what each side argues both do exist. The only practical answer is to recognise the Jewish suburbs as being part of Yerushalayim and the Arab suburbs as being part of Al Quds. That is the easy part of a practical solution. The harder part will come with the Old City. My suggestion would be to look at the Barak-Clinton proposals of 2000 for guidence.

So William things the Palestinians treat JErusalem like a site for stabbings and bombing and talks of treatment of Jewish sites by the Jordanians. A few questions, just for even-handedness: How many mosques were bulldozed by the new Israeli state ater 1948? When the Jordanians were tipping rubbish into synagogues in East Jerusalem, the new state was demolishing villages as fast as their bulldozers could move - and that included religious sites, cemetaries, not to mention the confiscation of land, the expulsion of further Palestinian citizens. Also, it seems tbat William knows very little about Islam and what the Imams preach, and yet he has made the earth-shattering statement that they do not consider Jerusalem very imporant in the total scheme of things. Makes me think of King Canute.. but I look forward to William's further erudite exegisis of tricky Islamic problems.

once again khalid you entertaine us with your parrot like rantings. So prove us wrong khalid, prove to us the muslim claim to Jerusalem,Or any other part of Israel, but that is a topic for another time.You claim that Jerusalem is the deal breaker...but ive seen you post where the so called "right of return"is.So what is the real deal breaker khalid. And please tell us during 18 years of Jordanian illigal occupation while muslims where desecrating Jewish holy sights and dis allowing Jews to visit or pray in the city, where where all the muslims thronging to there al-quads? Or for that matter where was the claim for a palestinian homeland...opps there was no such thing as a palestinian unless you are talking about how the world refered to the Jews of the land prior to and even after 1948. So while I can spend hours on how muslim and arab leaders made up and used the idea of a palestinian nation-hood as a political tool, you can give nothing but slogans you and those like you have been spewing for years that have no basis in fact. You are very articulant khalid but not even you believe your rhetoric. Lets agree that some settlment must be made, but please stop trying to re-write history. It really is getting tiresome.

It wasn't only the Muslims who had a policy of building a shrine on the ruins of an enemy's. Christians did this as well, throughout the Crusade period. However, they stopped, while the Msulims have continued (which many Hindus can attest to). Nothing less than spiritual colonialism! Jews, however, had one major and a few minor places holy to them, and never once laid claim to the religious articles, practices, or locations of another.

Jews often joke if only Moses would have taken a right towards the vast oil resrves of arabia rather than left towrds the orange groves of Canan! Islam, for some annoying but understandable reason, set a presidence of claiming other religions' holy sites as their own. This is the reason for the conflict, as Khalid says, 99.999999% will not satify the muslims until they get al quds. If only Muhamed would have been transported to ramallah or cairo. Do the Jews claim ownership of Abrahams Cave and the Pools of Holy Carp surrounding it in Turkey? They don't give a hoot. The muslims made a new place holy, not on the foundations of another peoples holy place. Why can't the muslim accept this??

You give us mecca -we'll give you Jerusalem. Sounds fair to me. If you can't accept - tough. The musilm people have to accept that they can't have everything they so desire on this planet - sometimes they can't even share it either! How do you think the Christians felt in the 11th centuary? I'll tell you. They wanted to recover their city, taken decades before by the land grabbing muslims. Well, the Jews felt in 1967 they were recovering their city, from the Muslims, chriatians and all those who came after they first made it a capital city. The jews are the true Palestians of today.

Factually, 38 years is NOTHING in the timeline of Jeruslaim's history. Its now time for the Jews to regain their Capital. No one can honestly deny that Jerualim is soley Jewish. Of course, others have laid claim to her, in battle, as a bboty from war, but she is and will always be Jewish, no matter who had temporalilly defeated the Jews. It may be an unpopular consideration, but it might be time for Rome to fully acknowledge the fact that the Jews have their own unique Covenant with G-d, seperate but equal to that of their's through their Jesus. In that acknowledgemnt, the Jews must somehow become part of that whole. Such that the Jewish/Catholic 'Union', (which must NOT in any way effect Jewish Law and Tradition) takes full ownership of all of Israel, with an undivided Jeruslaim as its Capital. I am no theoligan, but there has to be a way to end the division, and the resultant bloodshed and poverty of soul. As far as Islam is concerned, )and hoping modern radical Islam is not a covert tool of Rome),they have degenerated to a point that they have divested themsleves form any claim to possession. Of course, peaceful worship side by side with Jewish and Catholic worshipers would be desirable.

We have prayed dayly for Jerusalem during 2000 years. Jews have reunited Jerusalem, and Christians like Muslims are able to pray freely; it was not the case for the Jews before 1967. So there is no reason to change its present status. Jerusalem belonged to the jewish people from the very beginning and it was but stolen from them. The world should recognize this fact and accept to leave Jerusalem to its legitimate owners, with the free access to all peoples and to all religions.

To say that the Palestinians only care about Al-aqsa is moronic let alone dangerous. Since 1967 Israel's policy has been to allow the ancient city to run down and to stragulate its population with severe economic and education policies, not to mention racist municipal policies. Where the palestinians are burdened with heavy taxes and recieve no services. To assume that the old city had become a hub for suicide bombing is as stupid as saying that Ariel Sharon is a man of peace. William, with his lack of vision and integrity, decides to wipe out the schools, colleges and denies that Jerusalem has always been thriving with educated people, traders and noble residnets. William, having come form some Western nation, decides at his own accord to wipe out the history of the Arab city for the past 2000 years and decised to be the judge of its residents. I say if it weren't fo the ugly occupation Jerusalem would have remianed a hub for scientists, scholars and wealth. Freak!

Let it be crystal clear. Jerusalem is the key to peace in the Middle East. If the Palestinians don't recover their city, there will be no peace, even if if get back 99.999999 of the territories. This is al Qods al Sharif, the heart of the heart.

You state that the world will accept Israel going back to the 67 borders with a divided Jerusalem and I say the hell with what the world would like. The world liked it when Jews were gassed and stuffed in ovens, the world liked it when their were pograms in Europe and the world didn't mind the Spanish Inquisition. So we Jews say who cares what the world wants we will keep Jerusalem as it is now and we will keep the lands that we have now and the world can take a flying leap. Why is it o.k. for Germany, Italy, Ireland,Spain etc to be Catholic countries and for countless other countries to be Islamic lands (many not allowing Jews to visit or live there) but the Jews are chastised for having one tiny country.....the day that the Jews do not have all of Jerusalem as their capitol that will be the day the world ceases to exist.

If JERUSALEM was in danger there would be riots - the only danger that exists is that this news paper is attempting to create a problem that currently does not exist. Shame on Haaretz BM

Demographic threat, Arab majority, demographic balance; the writer only refers to the Palestinian population as a threat to Israel, zionism and the jewish majority. Trying to maintain a jewish majority is inherently racist. No wonder that the policy goals, as he sets them, are racist. They stem from deeper racist roots: zionism and the idea that Jews have superior rights over the land, and the idea of a Jewish state, that was built on ethnic cleansing.

I don't know. Judging from the treatment of the Palestinians for this revered city over the years, it seems the only place they really respect is Al-Aqsa, the rest of the city is just a location for stabbings and suicide bombings. It seems like a child's game. One child doesn't really want it, until the other child shows an interest in it. Jerusalem has always been revered by Jews the world over for thousands of years. Yet, in Islam, many Muslim scholars speak about whether or not it is really so important to the religion. After all, even the Koran demands that Muslims not place significance on the city, nor face it during prayer. So the Pals want to allow Israel to keep West Jerusalem? What a gift! It just happens to exclude the one location that is sacred to them. How convenient! I remember when Jordan had claim over East Jerusalem, and the respect given to the Jews' sacred area was to dump refuse there. Not different than the treatment of synagogues in Hebron after 1929, also. If weighed out, war with Jerusalem in Jews' hands vs. peace with losing the most sacred location to the religion, doesn't seem like peace at all - nor is it a hard decision to make. Nothing short of dual-rule or International City-hood is acceptable, because quite frankly, when one relgiion says they are better than the world's others, how can they be expected to protect what is sacred to the others?

Jerusalem was never united as Israel capital city during the past 38 years. To get peace go ahead and accept the reality that the pre 1967 war borders is acceptable to the world including the USA.