The United Nations is a Broken House.
A House of Nations that was once meant to prevent and stop needless conflicts and wars, has now become a playground for the destroyers to veto their victims out of the light.
An outdated and corrupt construction that can only be healed and rebuilt in Jerusalem, the City of God, the Cradle of Western civilization, and the greatest threat to humanity, according to the UN Security Council.
So now we say that it is time to stop this insanity and rebuild this broken house in Jerusalem, where it can do more by its mere presence than a thousand meaningless speeches and declarations can ever do.
Instead of representatives of faithless and lawless nations judging Jerusalem’s status as the capital of Israel, they will now themselves be judged by the capital of the world.
And every word they speak, every resolution they pass, will now have immediate consequences they will see and feel in the streets around them as from the sky above.
Jerusalem is waiting,
Sign the petition:
change.org/p/move-the-united-nations-to-jerusalem
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Jerusalem: A Sacred City for Jews, Christians, and Muslims
Jerusalem, known for its ancient walls and rich history, is one of the oldest cities in the world. It possesses deep religious, historical, and cultural significance for the three major monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Revered as a spiritual epicenter, this vibrant city serves as a symbol of divine presence, a testament to centuries of struggle and faith, and a beacon of hope for billions of people across the globe.
Jerusalem in Judaism
To Jews, Jerusalem stands as the holiest city on Earth, suffused with sacred history and spiritual significance. It is the site of the ancient Temple Mount, where King Solomon constructed the First Temple, a majestic edifice around 950 BCE that became the spiritual heart of the Jewish people. The Second Temple, which tragically met its demise at the hands of the Romans in 70 CE, once filled the city with the sounds of worship. Today, the Western Wall—an enduring remnant of this second holy sanctuary—is the most revered site where Jews gather to pray, its stones worn smooth by countless hands that have reached out in devotion.
Beyond its historical and religious dimensions, Jerusalem symbolizes Jewish identity and longing. For centuries, Jews in the diaspora have turned their faces toward Jerusalem during prayer, reciting the poignant phrase, “Next year in Jerusalem,” a heartfelt expression of hope for return and restoration. Jerusalem also holds a special place as the city chosen by King David as the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Israel, reinforcing its long-standing spiritual and political significance in Jewish life.
Jerusalem in Christianity
For Christians, Jerusalem represents the sacred backdrop to many pivotal moments in the life of Jesus Christ, the central figure of their faith. The city is steeped in the events of his passion—places where he was crucified, buried, and—according to Christian belief—resurrected. At the heart of Jerusalem's Christian Quarter lies the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a hallowed site believed to encompass both the crucifixion at Golgotha and the resurrection. Its ancient stones echo with the prayers and songs of countless pilgrims seeking a connection to their Savior.
Each year, the city transforms into a vibrant hub of pilgrimage, drawing Christians from around the world. The Via Dolorosa, a narrow path winding through the Old City, is believed to be the very route that Jesus walked on the way to his crucifixion. During Holy Week, this path resonates with the footsteps of pilgrims retracing his steps, reinforcing the powerful bond between the geography of Jerusalem and the foundational narratives of the New Testament, along with the promise of redemption.
Jerusalem in Islam
For Muslims, Jerusalem is revered as the third holiest city, surpassing all but Mecca and Medina in importance. At its heart lies the Al-Aqsa Mosque, an architectural marvel situated on the Haram al-Sharif (Noble Sanctuary), an area steeped in divine significance. Nearby, the Dome of the Rock stands as a brilliant testament to Islamic artistry, marking the spot where, according to tradition, the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven during the Isra and Mi'raj—a miraculous night journey that is integral to Islamic belief.
The city’s importance extends to its mention in Islamic texts, characterized as a blessed land filled with spiritual promise. Remarkably, the early Muslim community initially prayed facing Jerusalem before the qibla—the direction of prayer—was altered to Mecca. Thus, Jerusalem's sanctity is deeply woven into the fabric of Islamic theology, permeating its history and eschatological teachings.
A Shared Sacred Space
Each faith brings its own unique narrative and deep connection to Jerusalem, yet they share a reverence for this magnificent city that underscores both its power and the complexity of its spiritual legacy. Jerusalem has been both a unifying beacon and a source of division, a sacred ground of hope and a battleground for centuries. Its storied history reflects a tapestry of coexistence, conflict, and aspiration, embodying the struggles and triumphs of its diverse inhabitants.
In this intricate landscape, efforts aimed at fostering interfaith dialogue and mutual respect are especially crucial. The physical proximity of their sacred sites symbolizes the intertwined destinies of Jews, Christians, and Muslims, each deeply rooted in the soil of this ancient city. Promoting understanding and preserving the rich religious heritage of Jerusalem are essential endeavors, both for fostering peace and for honoring the city's universal significance as a shared sacred space.
The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and the Central Role of Jerusalem
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the most enduring and emotionally charged disputes in modern history. This complex struggle is deeply rooted in conflicting national identities, a tapestry of historical grievances, and intense territorial claims. At the very heart of this conflict lies Jerusalem, a city pulsating with profound religious, cultural, and political significance for both Israelis and Palestinians. Control over Jerusalem transcends mere sovereignty for each side; it embodies their identity, legitimacy, and a quest for historical justice.
Historical Context of the Conflict
The origins of the conflict can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period characterized by the rising aspirations of both Jews and Arabs in the region of Palestine. As the Ottoman Empire crumbled, the British Mandate period (1917–1948) saw the simmering tensions between these two communities intensify. The 1947 UN Partition Plan, which proposed to divide Palestine into distinct Jewish and Arab states with Jerusalem designated as an international city, ignited a wave of violence and unrest.
In 1948, the establishment of the State of Israel provoked a full-scale war with neighboring Arab states, leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in an event they call the Nakba, meaning “catastrophe.” This tragedy left a lasting scar on Palestinian identity and fueled their quest for justice.
The dynamics of the conflict were dramatically altered in the 1967 Six-Day War when Israel captured East Jerusalem along with the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, and Golan Heights. Since that time, Israel has proclaimed the entire city of Jerusalem as its capital, while Palestinians insist that East Jerusalem is the rightful capital of a future Palestinian state, making it a focal point of their aspirations.
Importance of Jerusalem to Israelis
For Israelis and Jews around the world, Jerusalem is more than just a city; it is the ancient capital of the Jewish people, steeped in millennia of history and spiritual significance. The Temple Mount, site of the First and Second Temples, stands as the holiest place in Judaism, representing a connection to their ancestral past and religious heritage.
In contemporary times, Jerusalem serves as the political heart of Israel, housing critical government institutions, including the Knesset (parliament) and the Supreme Court. In 1980, Israel enacted a law that declared Jerusalem its "complete and united" capital, although this unilateral declaration has not received international endorsement. For many Israelis, the prospect of dividing the city is perceived as a direct threat to their historical, religious, and security claims to the land, creating an atmosphere of fierce determination to retain control.
Importance of Jerusalem to Palestinians
For Palestinians, East Jerusalem, including the cherished Old City, is a vibrant symbol of national identity. It forms an integral part of their dream for a future sovereign state. Rich with significant Islamic holy sites, such as the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock—both standing as pillars of Islam—Jerusalem is revered as the third holiest city after Mecca and Medina.
Palestinians view the Israeli annexation of East Jerusalem and the ongoing settlement activities there as illegal under international law and as significant barriers to achieving peace. They hold steadfastly to the aspiration of making East Jerusalem their capital. Any diplomatic negotiations that disregard this fundamental demand are largely rejected by both Palestinian leadership and the broader public.
International Perspective
The United Nations and a significant portion of the international community do not recognize Israeli sovereignty over East Jerusalem. Numerous UN resolutions have reaffirmed that the city’s ultimate status must be resolved through direct negotiations between the parties involved. While some countries, particularly the United States, have moved their embassies to Jerusalem in recent years, most nations continue to operate their diplomatic missions from Tel Aviv, reflecting the ongoing and unresolved nature of the city's status.
Conclusion: Jerusalem as a Symbol and a Sticking Point
Jerusalem encapsulates the core issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict—where religion, history, identity, and sovereignty intersect. For Israelis, it is a manifestation of their historical rights and the realization of a national dream that has endured through centuries of struggle. For Palestinians, it is an occupied city that represents their aspirations for independence and self-determination.
Attempts to find a solution that divides the city or shares sovereignty have repeatedly faltered due to conflicting narratives, profound mistrust, and rich religious sensitivities. Nonetheless, many peace proposals—including the Oslo Accords and the Arab Peace Initiative—have recognized that Jerusalem must be integral to any negotiated settlement.
Jerusalem is not just a city; it is a sacred and symbolic heart for both Israelis and Palestinians alike. Its fate lies at the center of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and without a fair and mutually agreed resolution regarding its status, lasting peace will remain an elusive dream. The challenge for future negotiations lies in finding a solution that honors the deep emotional ties both peoples have to the city, while ensuring access to their holy sites, and recognizing the complex political realities that shape this enduring conflict.
The Status of Jerusalem in the United Nations: A Contested City on the Global Stage
Jerusalem is a city steeped in rich history and profound religious significance, regarded as a sacred place by Judaism, Christianity, and Islam alike. However, it is also one of the most politically sensitive and diplomatically contested cities on the globe. The United Nations (UN) has significantly influenced the international dialogue regarding Jerusalem’s status, particularly given its pivotal role in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The 1947 UN Partition Plan
The international discourse surrounding Jerusalem began to intensify with the passage of UN General Assembly Resolution 181 on November 29, 1947. Known as the Partition Plan for Palestine, this groundbreaking resolution proposed a visionary creation of two independent states: one for Jews and another for Arabs, to be established after the conclusion of the British Mandate in Palestine. A key aspect of this proposal was the establishment of Jerusalem as a **corpus separatum**, meaning it would serve as a separate international city administered by the United Nations itself. This unique framework aimed to guarantee access to and protection of the city’s revered holy sites, while also safeguarding the religious rights and freedoms of its diverse populations. Unfortunately, this ambitious vision never materialized. Following the tumultuous events of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, West Jerusalem fell under Israeli control, while East Jerusalem, including the historically significant Old City, came under Jordanian administration.
The 1967 Six-Day War and Its Aftermath
In June 1967, during the dramatic Six-Day War, Israel captured East Jerusalem from Jordan, subsequently annexing the territory and proclaiming the entire city as its "eternal and indivisible capital." This declaration was met with widespread rejection from the international community, including the UN, which classifies East Jerusalem as occupied territory in accordance with international law.
UN Security Council Resolution 242, passed in November 1967, called for Israel’s withdrawal from the territories it occupied during the war, emphasizing the inadmissibility of acquiring territory through military conflict. This crucial resolution laid the foundation for future peace negotiations, remaining a cornerstone of international diplomatic efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
UN Resolutions and the Legal Status of Jerusalem
The United Nations has adopted a plethora of resolutions that reaffirm the position that Jerusalem’s final status must be resolved through negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. Among the most noteworthy are:
UN Security Council Resolution 478 (1980):
This resolution condemned Israel’s 1980 “Basic Law,” which declared Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. It called upon UN member states to withdraw their diplomatic missions from the city, signaling international opposition to this unilateral declaration.
UN General Assembly Resolutions:
The General Assembly has consistently reiterated the international community’s commitment to a negotiated two-state solution, envisioning Jerusalem as the shared capital for both Israel and Palestine. These resolutions highlight that any unilateral efforts aimed at altering the status of Jerusalem are deemed null and void under international law.
Recent Developments and International Division
In recent years, the intricate status of Jerusalem has drawn renewed international attention and scrutiny. In December 2017, the United States made a historically significant decision by formally recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and subsequently transferring its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in May 2018. While this move was celebrated by Israel, it faced substantial criticism from numerous UN member states and institutions, which viewed it as a significant obstacle to the peace process.
In response, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution ES-10/19 in December 2017, declaring any modifications to the status of Jerusalem as “null and void.” The resolution urged all nations to refrain from establishing embassies in the city until a comprehensive final status agreement is reached, demonstrating the continuing divide within international perspectives on Jerusalem's future.
Conclusion
The status of Jerusalem remains one of the most intricate and sensitive issues in the realm of international diplomacy. The United Nations emphasizes that any resolution concerning the city’s future must arise from direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, honoring the rights and aspirations of both peoples while ensuring freedom of access to the sacred sites that draw pilgrims from around the world.
Until a lasting peace agreement is established, Jerusalem will persist as a potent symbol—representing both the yearning for coexistence among its diverse inhabitants and the harsh realities of conflict. The UN stands as a guardian of international law, hopeful as a potential facilitator of meaningful dialogue that could pave the way for a brighter future for the city and its people.
Pros and Cons of Moving the United Nations Headquarters to Jerusalem
Since its establishment in 1945, the United Nations (UN) has made its home in the dynamic metropolis of New York City. Yet, the prospect of relocating this esteemed organization to different parts of the world has been discussed from time to time, with one of the most provocative proposals suggesting a move to the ancient and contentious city of Jerusalem. This idea is steeped in controversy and carries profound political, diplomatic, logistical, and symbolic implications. The following exploration delves into the potential advantages and disadvantages this relocation could entail.
Pros
1. Symbolic Recommitment to Peace
Jerusalem, venerated as a holy city by Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, is a focal point of shared heritage and conflict. Relocating the UN headquarters to this city could serve as a powerful symbol, emphasizing the organization’s dedication to fostering peace, coexistence, and meaningful interfaith dialogue amid a region historically marred by discord and division.
2. Geopolitical Balance
Currently stationed in New York, the UN headquarters reflects a post-World War II world order heavily influenced by the United States and its Western allies. Moving the headquarters to Jerusalem could signify a pivotal shift towards a more inclusive and multipolar approach to international relations, potentially enhancing the perception of global neutrality and extending diplomatic reach to encompass a wider array of perspectives.
3. Focus on the Middle East
The Middle East remains a persistent source of global conflict and diplomatic negotiation. By establishing its headquarters in Jerusalem, the UN could draw heightened international attention to pressing regional issues, galvanizing efforts towards robust diplomatic engagement and inspiring collaborative solutions among stakeholders in an area entrusted with monumental historical significance.
4. Reduced U.S. Influence
Critics often assert that the United States exerts disproportionate control over the UN due to its role as the host nation of the headquarters. Transitioning to a more contested and symbolically enriched location such as Jerusalem could diminish perceptions of U.S. dominance, paving the way for a more equitable approach to addressing international challenges.
Cons
1. Political Volatility and Security Risks
Nestled at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Jerusalem is an arena of heightened tensions, frequent protests, and civil unrest. The security challenges of establishing the UN headquarters in such a volatile environment could be daunting, posing significant risks to personnel and operations, and jeopardizing the safety of those engaged in critical diplomatic work.
2. Diplomatic Polarization
Relocating to Jerusalem would undoubtedly imply a stance on one of the most sensitive and polarizing international issues: the status of the city itself. A significant number of UN member states, particularly those in the Arab and Muslim worlds, do not recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. A shift of the headquarters to this city could fracture the organization and provoke diplomatic boycotts or withdrawals from member nations, further complicating its mission.
3. Logistical and Financial Costs
The current infrastructure and diplomatic relationship built in New York are substantial, providing essential support for the UN's operations. A relocation would entail considerable logistical hurdles and financial burdens, from constructing new facilities and securing housing to transferring thousands of staff and diplomats, making it a monumental undertaking.
4. Undermining Neutrality
Rather than reinforcing the UN's impartiality, moving to Jerusalem could be interpreted as a tacit endorsement of one side in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Such a perception would significantly undermine the UN’s credibility, eroding its reputation as a fair and neutral mediator in international disputes.
5. Impact on Multilateralism
Should the move be perceived as favoring Israel or aligned with the Western bloc that advocates for such a relocation, it could threaten the very fabric of multilateralism. Nations feeling sidelined or overlooked may respond by withdrawing their cooperation, reducing funding, or even reconsidering their membership in key UN agencies, thereby jeopardizing vital collaborative efforts.
Conclusion
The notion of relocating the United Nations headquarters to Jerusalem embodies a bold and symbolically rich idea, yet it is fraught with intricate risks and far-reaching implications. While such a move may signal a renewed commitment to peace and enhance the organization's relevance on the global stage, it equally harbors the potential to exacerbate international divisions, compromise security, and threaten the UN’s role as an impartial forum for dialogue.
For the moment, this idea remains largely speculative. Nevertheless, the discussion it ignites reveals deep-rooted tensions in global governance, the importance of symbolism in diplomacy, and the ongoing struggle to foster peace in one of the world's most contested regions.