A Glimpse of History in the Holy Land

Just about three days ago, i went to the National Museum here in Bhopal. Now, many people would not consider a trip to the museum something worth writing about. But, i went at a time when an Israeli Archaelogical exhibition was going on. This exhibition was displaying aerial photographs of certain Archaelogical sites in Israel. There were a total of 15 big Photographs on various historical sites in Israel. I admired at the sheer beauty of the photographs, as well as reminded myself that Israel is also made up of other things other than for the dubious reasons which the media portrays it for.

I was most impressed with the Photographs pertaining to Jerusalem, Acre, the caves of Qumran and the archaelogical sites of Masada and other excavated sites. It is a fact that Israel consists of the largest number of Archaelogical sites per square kilometre. The Historical information also was indeed valuable, and it makes people go to the Holy Land to get a glimpse of this surreal country. But, looking at the photographs and the historical context, i unfortunately again reflect upon the plight that the country is facing in the 21s century.

History has been grossly against the Jews, for they have been under occupation from all of the Great empires, ranging from te ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, Romans, Greeks, Byzantines, Ottomans and the British. The Jews were expelled from the holy land in the early part of time, and this lasted right upto the present. It is perhaps this history that continues to haunt the Jews, in particular relating to the years prior to the creation of their state. The Horrors of the Holocaust in World War-2 have lended a somewhat crude legitamacy to their state. Even now, they continue to fight for their existance, this time from the Arab nations that surround them.

History also has played a great game for this land, for the birth of three of the most prominent religions have taken place on this same land. Jerusalem is the Holy city for three of the most prominent religions in the world, notably Christianity, Islam and Judaism. The eternal City of Jerusalem is home where Jesus, Mohammed and Yahweh have left their mark. All these Historical events and symbols are having an indirect impact upon the dynamics that Israel is undergoig at this time.

They say that the past influences the future. This is more true of Israel than any other country. The only problem being that this History is threatening the present. Maybe, it is this historical legacy of varied kinds that might threaten the future as well.