What Jerusalem Means to Us: Christian Perspectives and Reflections edited by Saliba Sarsar

WHAT JERUSALEM MEANS TO US is a unique book. In 23 essays, Palestinian Christians and other Christians of various backgrounds share their personal perspectives and reflections on Jerusalem as they draw on their intimate knowledge of and or their experiences in the Holy City. Jerusalem is special as it is both holy and hotly contested at the same time. Jews, Christians, and Muslims – living there and elsewhere – lay claim to it based on divine inspiration or prior human connection, association, or possession. It is through God’s revelation to humanity that it has achieved centrality, universality, and prominence. In addition to being a holy city, it is the city of humans, a living abode – imperfect, coveted, and conflicted. Today, Jerusalem is where Palestinians (Christian and Muslim), Israelis (Jewish, Muslim, and Christian), and others make presence and work amid constant uncertainty and, at times, in less than peaceful conditions. Each community experiences and highlights different