Jerusalem, a Land of Equality and Peace

“Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” - Gustave Flaubert. 

Travelling, daring to adventure, chasing ambitions, seeing what a tiny piece you are in an almost infinite world. When you journey to far away places, you see just another small fraction of the millions of miracles and monuments Earth possesses. Every new destination has its own geography, culture, and even way of life itself. As my trek across Israel is slowly coming to a close, I have noticed many unique and one-of-a-kind experiences that only belong to this stunning country. It is widely known that the land of Israel has once been controlled by each of the three monotheistic religions Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Despite its almost nonexistent size, this minute country is one of the few to be the interest of all of these three major faiths. I first noticed this when I visited the city of gold. Israel’s religious capital that holds thousand of years of rich history within it’s walls. As we explored the streets and quarters of Jerusalem, I was breath-taken to see Jews, Christians, and Muslims not only tour, but live together in nonviolence.

Despite all the conflicts to the west in Gaza, or the antisemitism Jews still heavily face today, everyone treated all other cultures and faiths with equality. I have never experienced visiting a cultural pilgrimage site for all three religions, like I did in Jerusalem. This was truly a one of a kind experience that I can only get in this miraculous land. To see a sight like this gave me hope that peace can overpower and outshine the horrific terrorism being inflicted upon other cities in Israel. 

“The need of the moment is not one religion, but mutual respect and tolerance of the devotees of the different religions.” - Mahatma Gandhi. 

Jerusalem and its culturally diverse citizens exemplify this to perfection.  As I continue to travel for the rest of my life, I will never see as I did in Jerusalem, shalom (peace) and cavod (respect) for everyone who sets foot there.