July 21, 2017

Zoe Bios: Chapter 2 – Common Ground

THE FOLLOWING ARE PHOTOS FROM MY DNA TREK AND EXCERPTS FROM THE BOOK.

 

Page 24:

After spending three weeks in Tel Aviv, I took the 45-minute bus ride to Jerusalem, the contested capital of Israel and of what has been historically called Palestine.

Page: 26:

Walking up to the Old City made me feel small and keenly alive, like a character in Voltaire’s Micromégas. I was a new micro-element in the ancient ecosystem.

Page 28:

It seemed to me that the old men working the various trade shops have felt this weight for too long. It showed on their faces like gravity was heavier for them here. I didn’t see many older women but did see young women, many of them soldiers.

Page 30:

I’d made it to the Western Wall. I took my time walking down the slope to get as close as I could. I found a plaque that provided written context of the sacred site in both Hebrew and English. Interestingly, it framed the Biblical scripture, “My house is a house of prayer for all peoples (Isaiah 56:7).”

Sadly, it is not true for all peoples. Muslims are not allowed to share this site.

Page 31:

The Temple Mount, the area above the Western Wall, is the location of the Dome of the Rock. It is not a mosque. Rather it is a shrine built for the purpose of showcasing the glory of Islam in hope that the monotheistic religions will unite.

The Foundation Stone is also called “the Rock,” is underneath the dome and although is considered one of the holiest spots for Jews, it is also believed that this is the site of the holy of holies—both Solomon’s Temple and Herod’s Temple. This area is also restricted. Jews are not allowed in for a few reasons but mostly because Muslims believe this was the ultimate destination for Muhammad—the spot where he ascended on his night journey with his horse into the heavens.

They believe it is theirs alone, a sacred spot for Muslims.

This is the real ground zero.

Page 34:

Architecture is not only beautiful, but it has a voice, and it tattles. The stories and history of a place are told through materials and craftsmanship. The vision and execution are open for all to see. Stones lay on top of stones across pathways, walls, and ceilings. Everything about its construction felt sturdy, the colors and textures telling stories of the past.

Page 35:

I picked up the pace as I passed more merchant offerings. I was on a mission. Another man, this time in his twenties, walked out of his shop and matched my pace as he called out to me, “You can’t go this way.”

Page 37:

To cut to the point, he said he wants nothing to do with a religious war. He wants to live a life like any other twenty-something kid. He likes to dance. He likes girls. He has dreams, like the rest of us. His big vision is to turn his little shop, with the help of his father, into a profitable business. He doesn’t want to work for somebody else.

Sounds like the American dream to me.

Page 41:

I was trying to soak it all in when I heard a voice directed at me say, “Are you going to pass me again?” Sure enough, the older man I had so rudely passed earlier was standing to my left and behind me. I immediately greeted him, saying, “Nice to see you again.” He told me he had come there to wait for me.

This is how our friendship began. He told me that he felt it was important for him to show me around the Old City. Then he expressed his wish for peace, to end the war between the Arabs and the Jews. All this before we even exchanged names.

 

Zoe Bios is available on Amazon in print and on Kindle. Get it today!