Hasan-Rokem Reading Response Week 7

"There is room here for many loves. There is no room here for coveting."
This sentence caught my attention. I feel like this is contrary to almost everything I have heard about Jerusalem. I have heard multiple groups of people--ethnic, religious, and cultural--say, "There is only room for one love and it is mine. This city, this land, it is mine." I have heard the oppressed long for a city that they believe to be theirs and cannot obtain. I have seen Jerusalem be fought over by people who are clinging to their culture, god, and homeland. Needless to say, Hasan-Rokem's perspective was refreshing to read. She loves Jerusalem deeply and seems to see a bigger picture. It was interesting to hear her say, "Maybe the most important is recognition that the population of Jerusalem has real, concrete needs to be taken care of..." She then goes on to suggest things like education and human rights. Isn't it obvious that these things are more important than the imagery that surrounds Jerusalem? She doesn't say that there is no place for this imagery and that people should all together stop "dreaming of Jerusalem" but maybe if people could set aside this romanticized image of Jerusalem in order to address the cities basic needs. This article is bold because it challenges many people's emotions. It asks people to change the way they think about their home and holy land. I think it is wise that she does not ask people to completely dismiss their views or emotional ties. She knows that there is a place for all of this and she challenges people to see beyond their emotions and romanticized imagery.