The Temple Mount

Sacred and significant to Jews and Palestinians alike, the Temple Mount has a long and tumultuous history. 

For Jews, the Temple Mount is known to be the holiest site in Judaism and the place where King Solomon built the Temple. For Palestinians, the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is considered the third holiest site in Islam.

From its origins as a symbol of legitimacy for various empires and groups, to its current role as a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Temple Mount continues to represent the complexities and tensions of the region.

Big Ideas

1. The Temple Mount plays a significant role in Jewish history and identity and is also an integral symbol of Palestinian national identity.
2. The Temple Mount conflict stems from a strong desire for belonging and identity among different groups, making it difficult to reconcile their conflicting narratives and claims to land and heritage.
3. Promoting peace and understanding in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict necessitates engaging with diverse perspectives, cultivating empathy and trust, and pursuing solutions that honor the rights and dignity of different groups.

Essential Questions

1. Who owns the Temple Mount?
2. Should the status quo on the Temple Mount be maintained or updated? 
3. How can we understand and navigate the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly with regard to the contested history and significance of the Temple Mount compound?