Initial Ideas For Project

Today in class we discussed how we want to go about constructing our project. We wrestled over various ideas and wound up with a temporary idea. We're going to split our "identity" group into two subgroups; we will focus on sports and dress/fashion, respectively. We're attempting to answer questions such as, "How do sports affect the relationships between Israelis and Palestinians? Do they help the relationship? Hurt the relationship? How do they do this, and why?" When looking at the fashion component, we will analyze why Israelis wear what they wear, and why Palestinians wear what they wear. We're intrigued to find out how clothing and appearance factor in to the Arab-Israeli conflict.

We haven't yet decided on what medium we will present the information through. We've considered PowerPoint, Prezi, etc. Overall, we are excited about the direction we're heading and look forward to developing our ideas through research as the course continues. Next week we will begin expanding on our foundational ideas and honing in on our primary objectives.

Reading Response # 6

Chapters 11-13 brought about a plethora of new information. I'm starting to believe that this is a common theme throughout Armstrong's book. With that being said, she did a great job of explaining the significance of the Islamic religion and how it has grown throughout its existence. Unlike previous chapters, Armstrong strayed away from and even seemed to look down upon Christianity. She explained how the Crusaders were horrible people who took innocent lives while destroying cities. After going on their rampages they took the remains for themselves (including the city). It would be an understatement to say that the Christians didn't make a great impression on the Muslim population. They took the Holy City away from them.

In addition, I found it neat to find out that there was a time in our history where the Jews, Christians, and Muslims lived side by side. It had been my impression that these groups had never shared such respect for one another. I was wrong. The world would be a better place if we accepted everyone for who they are. We shouldn't be making judgments based off of others' beliefs. Each and everyone of us should be free to choose how we live. Don't we have some important document named the Constitution (not to give away any hints or anything) that states this?

Before I began reading Armstrong's book I had negative associations with the Islamic religion. Karen seemed to do a good job of calming those associations. I learned that the prophet Mohammad was passionate about restoring the Islamic religion. In the grand scheme of things, the Islamic religion is not so different from all the rest. These chapters reiterated the fact that Armstrong writes this novel from an unbiased perspective (I suppose that could possibly be my biased opinion). She treats each of the religions and groups of people with equality, telling both the good and the bad. It will be interesting to see if Karen completes the book writing in this unbiased style. I look forward to hearing others' opinions in regards to these chapters.

Reading Response # 5

First of all, I want to talk about a point we have repeatedly discussed in class. Each discussion we've had, we've been critical of where Armstrong is getting her information. Up until this point, however, I have not developed an opinion. After hearing everyone's remarks and reading the book (half of it, at least), I have come to the conclusion that Armstrong does in fact use multiple sources. If you turn to page 446 you can see the beginning of a multi-page Bibliography. I understand that the vast majority of these sources come from interviews Armstrong has conducted. In that sense, one may say that those aren't credible sources because they are just opinions, not facts. However, how else do we get information? Information regarding our history is passed on via word-of-mouth, period. When reading a history book, does one really believe the author knew everything about every event? No way. They obtain that information from stories that have been told; stories that have been passed on from generation to generation to generation. Karen does an awesome job of taking supposedly factual information, and putting it together to clearly convey the story of Jerusalem.

On a separate note, I also became frustrating while reading the text. Coming into this course I had no background on Jerusalem; I knew very little about the Israeli/Palestine conflict. Because of this, it is extremely difficult for me to retain information in regards to the names and places discussed. Through the first 10 chapters there must be 100+ names/places discussed. I would really appreciate it, if, as a class, we created a timeline/chart of characters and their significance. It would be beneficial for all of us and may even help us with our projects (depending on what we have chosen).

Reading chapter 10 was enjoyable due to the fact that there were multiple images. It was inspiring to see such sacred geographic locations. In particular, The Western Wall was a beautiful picture. Physically being able to see what Karen is discussing makes the book easier to follow and also gives my mind a foundation to process so much information. I think it would be helpful to google image search the people and geographic locations Armstrong talks about in order to paint a more clear picture in my mind.

Weblog Journal # 2

The Arab-Israeli conflict has been an ongoing problem. Nobody has been able to come up with a sustainable solution, and we must understand that. There have been no right or wrong answers, but rather failed attempts. I will offer my opinions and thoughts, but we must realize Jerusalem may never be completely rid of conflict; it's not easy to relinquish territory thought to be the most sacred our history has ever seen.

On the one hand, it seems nearly impossible to think that Israel would give up territory that is considered to be where the Jewish people originated from. However, on the other hand, Hamas and the Islamist Party don't seem to be budging either. One potential solution could be a two-state solution in which the territory would essentially be divided in two. Each group of people would have their own flag and anthem. The groups would live beside each other in peace, holding the upmost respect for  each other. Each group, Israelis and Palestinians would be able to engage in their own traditions, embrace their own cultures, and have their own individual rights. Many academics have pleaded that a two-state system could "never work." However, I don't see how anyone can say this without being hypocritical. They demand that the two must live together as one cohesive group. Over the last several decades we have seen that this is not the solution.

One major drawback to this solution, however, is that another conflict would arise in regards to which group of peoples would give up what. Also, Arabs and Jews are inextricably linked and breaking them apart could lead to even more hatred and animosity towards one another. The Palestinians want no part in this two-state system, despite the reality that Israel would most likely welcome the system.

Overall, there is no one solution that is going to solve this Arab-Israeli conflict. More likely than not, it will take a combination of solutions (some of which we may have not even come up with yet) to help reduce the severity of the conflict. Even once we have solved this conflict, who's to say it will be maintained? It will require the cooperation of the Israelis, Palestinians, governments, businesses, and everyone and everything in-between.

Reading Response # 4

Exile and Return was another insightful chapter by Armstrong. I come from a very non-religious background. My father is Catholic, while my mother is Jewish. However, we never grew up attending either Church or Temple. Because of that, this chapter jumped out at me because it made me realize how big an influence religion can have on a group of people. After the exiles had settled down in Babylon, they were shocked that they were encouraged to still "concentrate on the Law of Moses and the covenant that Yahweh had made with the people of Israel before they had ever heard of Jerusalem."Yahweh followed as the people of Israel fled to Babylon (neglecting the Judaeans who were still stationed in the city of Jerusalem). I though this was significant because without Yahweh "living in Zion, the destruction of Jerusalem was only a matter of time." It really showed me how big of an influence a hierarchical figure can have on a group of individuals.

Reading about Antiochus in Jerusalem was actually frightening. Can you imagine someone coming into your city (not just any city, but the Holy City) attempting to impose Greek Hellenism upon you? For this particular chapter I have compiled a list of questions. What was going through the people's mind when they became aware of Antiochus' emergence in Jerusalem? How many people fell victim to Antiochus' attempt to inflict Hellenism upon them? What were Antiochus' motives to take over and destroy the practice of Judaism?

When the Roman Hadrianus invaded Jerusalem he had big plans in mind. He was known for leaving some type of lasting impression at the places he visited. When Hadrianus came to Jerusalem he was going to "reward" the people with a new city. This man was going to invade Jerusalem and completely get rid of Jerusalem and Zion, two of the most holy and symbolic places to the entire Jewish heritage. They didn't care that a Roman presence may in fact bolster their economy and bring wealth to the area. Hadrianus was going to eliminate "circumcision-a barbaric practice, in his view-the oridnation of rabbis, the teaching of Torah, and public Jewish meetings were all outlawed." How can one city be put through so much turmoil time and time again, yet still be determined to regain their own image? Jerusalem is a Holy City, and much much more.

Reading Response # 3

Unlike other reading responses, I would like to take a new approach to responding to Karen Armstrong's "Jerusalem; One City, Three Faiths," book. There are too many interesting components to each of the chapters to focus on all of them. Rather, I chose one interesting piece from each chapter and expanded upon it.

In the first chapter, Zion, I found it extremely intriguing to hear Armstrong describe Zion as such a sacred/holy place. As I was reading I noticed she had referred to Mount Zion as the "highest place in the world." However, the rabbis and the psalmists didn't refer to Mount Zion as the tallest mountain due to its physical attributes. Rather, they were describing "its place on the spiritual map."When people were around Mount Zion they felt safe, protected, and closer to heaven." It gave these people a purpose in society. Before reading this book I had heard of Zion, but never completely understood its significance. Each and every one of us has a place that we go to where we feel more powerful, more comfortable, or more spiritual. In reading this chapter I now understand that this "place", "the city of peace, the holy mountain, and the eternal heritage of its god," is Mount Zion.

"Israel" was one of the more interesting chapters for me, personally. Back home (in California) I have many Jewish/Israeli friends who often speak of their religion, culture, traditions, beliefs, etc. When I ask  them about what god they believe in, they most often respond with Moses. I was shocked to learn that at one point the Israelites believed in many different gods. Until Jerusalem was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, the Israelites worshipped many other deities such as Asherah (fertility goddess), the consort of El, as well as a plethora of other Syrian gods. Once the city was destroyed the Israelites then realized that Yahweh (the God of Moses) was the only God they were to have faith in.

The City of David is a large historical piece of Jerusalem. It was here that King David established himself, and built his palace. It was David who helped Yahweh become the holy god of Jerusalem (and later Solomon who solidified it). It is also said that The Kingdom of David has brought about controversy in regards to its existence. Many argue that because the Kingdom was not supported in the Eastern texts of that period, it did not exist. However, the majority still believes that both the Kingdom of David, as well as the Kingdom of Judah, were undoubtedly real.

In comparison to the Kingdom of David as well as the Kingdom of Israel, the Kingdom of Judah was relatively poor and badly located. They were exposed to few resources and were unable to prosper agriculturally. However, the Kingdom of Judah was able to overcome these hardships because "Yahweh had established a haven of shalom: wholeness, harmony and security."Although I was confused at various points throughout the chapter, I learned that Judah is a "nation"of good people (other than their kings) who are loyal to those they believe in. Each of these chapters were able to add value to Jerusalem's rich history, tradition, and culture. As I read further, I hope Armstrong can paint an even more vivid picture in my head and get me thinking about the city of Jerusalem with a new perspective in mind.

Weblog Journal # 1

After the first week of the course I'm very excited about the direction that it's headed. It's refreshing to come to a class that takes a different approach to learning than traditional courses. Rather than coming to class, listening to a lecture, taking notes, reading a textbook, and then coming back to be quizzed/tested on the material, we get to learn through others' experiences. For example, when discussing the second reading response in our small groups, I learned that everyone takes a different perspective on the topic/issue at hand. In turn, it leads me to think about the material differently and provides me with insight to what others are thinking.

While the courses approach to learning is refreshing, it is also challenging. For many of us, this is the first time we have taken a class of this nature. It forces people out of their comfort zones and allows them to share their opinions: whatever they may be. Furthermore, it challenges us to be accepting of others' ideas without reacting with a negative demeanor. We have to learn to respect others' thoughts and be aware that each of us comes from different backgrounds that may (or may not) influence our opinions. Additionally, video conferencing is another aspect of the course that is new to many of us. It's difficult enough to voice an opinion in front of our class, let alone to a class of students we have never met (Ohio State). However, as the course continues, I believe we will all become comfortable in this new experimental environment.

Some of the difficulties with a course designed in this manner pertain to organization and timeliness. It's easy to get off track or to forget to post to personal blogs. This class is very 'open-ended' in the fact that we are paving our own road. The direction of the course will flow in whatever direction we take it. That means it's important for us to understand that the course may not always stick to exactly what the syllabus says (which is what we are accustomed to), and that it may deviate to topics we have not considered before.

With that being said, I look forward to understanding opinions, respecting opinions, voicing opinions, and challenging others' opinions. By the time the semester comes to a close I hope to 1.) learn all about Jerusalem's society, culture, and history 2.) actively participate in-class as well as in our groups and 3.) learn to challenge ideas in a respectful, yet constructive, manner.

Multimedia Discussion (In-Class Recap)

Today, (Thursday, January 10) we began discussing topics people may be interested in researching further for our final project. It was interesting to hear everybody's opinion. Many people (including myself) were excited by topics such as sports, music, and food. However, I was fascinated by some of the other ideas people came up with. It's evident we have people from all sorts of backgrounds, each with their own passions and interests. We discussed topics ranging from the embargo and supply chain all the way to how food can say a lot about sexual orientation and one's mannerisms. While I would enjoy studying a more broad topic such as sports or food, I would welcome the opportunity and challenge to take on a topic that is new to me.

Reading Response # 2

The article written by Reba V Rubin titled, "Jerusalem The holy City Through The Ages," was a great article for me to read. Coming into this course I knew next to nothing about the history of Jerusalem. Rubin did a wonderful job of providing a background about Jerusalem and was able to help give me a basic understanding. I had always heard the names and phrases of David, Abraham, Solomon, Judah, Assyrian Empire, and Sennacherib, but never knew the precise significance of each character. It gave me a new appreciation for Jerusalem and all the history that has engulfed it over the years. Before reading the article I was unaware that the Jew's who were populating Jerusalem were made up of three subgroups: "native-born, Arab-speaking Jews, Ashkenazi, or Western, Jews, and Sephardic Jews, refugees from Spain. It showed me that the diversity that exists/existed in Jerusalem runs much deeper than Israelis and Palestinians. Even within single religions, much diversity is present.

In "Jerusalem Then And Now," by Mick Dumper I learned even more history about Jerusalem. Who knew that Jerusalem's population varied depending solely on the fresh water supply. I was shocked to hear that Jerusalem sits high upon a mountain range, surrounded by the valley on its west side. When I imagine Jerusalem in my head I picture a very flat, dry land. Additionally, the article provided a great introduction to the three main divisions of people who occupy Jerusalem; the Jews, the Christians, and the Muslims. The article inspired me to pick up our book, "One City, Three Faiths" to inquire more about the rivalries that existed between the religions. I can't help but become intrigued by quotes such as "As they jockeyed for demographic dominance, squabbled over administrative power, and enlisted foreign states for diplomatic and military support...". I thoroughly look forward to studying this topic as the course progresses and to discussing any relevant issues pertaining to the conflict amongst the various groups of people.

Reading Response # 1

After reading through the first paragraph of the article, "Researching East Jerusalem," by Suad Amiry I had a vision of what Jerusalem was/is like. He says that Jerusalem is a placed filled with beauty, yet a place filled with problems. I admire Suad for attempting to neutralize the rage between the Israelis and the Palestine's. In her article she explains that there are problems pertaining to minute (or at least seem to be minute) issues such as the name of the festival, to more substantial issues such as the nature of the boundary separating the two Jerusalem's. I also really enjoyed the article"Representing Jerusalem" because it was an interview with Suad Amiry. Her responses to the questions differed from what I would have guessed. In particular, I thought it was interesting that the Jerusalem Festival was postponed due to a lack of funding. Funders weren't willing to give the Festival money because they despised the fact that the funds would be shared amongst the Israelis and the Palestinians. In addition, it was interesting to learn that government from either side was uninvolved. The Festival was planned to occur without the funds from either government.

Galit Hasan-Rokem's article, "Dialogue as Ethical Conduct" had me pondering a few questions. First of all, is progress being made towards a new 'Festival'? If so, when can we expect this Festival to occur? Are there any underlying reasons (unmentioned in these articles) that could be causing such conflict between the two sides?

The article written by Professor Horowitz also caught my interest. It was amazing to read a published text written by a person that you are in contact with on a weekly basis. I was intrigued by the section focusing on ethnography because I believe that in order to get the most out of this course, we as students need to become ethnographers ourselves. In the text, Professor Horowitz writes "our ethnography developed counter representations and displayed the contested chronologies that undergrid the ideologies of contending national, ethnic, and religious communities." We must carefully study and analyze the conflict in Jerusalem. We must look at it from multiple angles and perspectives as well as through the eyes of Israelis and Palestinians.

About Me

Hi, my name's Austin Ellis. I'm a Junior studying Supply Chain Management through the Kelley School of Business. I'm originally from Sunnyvale, California (about 30 miles South of San Francisco). I began my studies at the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB) where I was studying Economics & Accounting. However, after my first-year I realized I wanted a change. I transferred to Indiana University in the Fall of 2012 and have loved every minute of it. I'm taking the "Living Jerusalem" course for multiple reasons. First of all, I took professor Horowitz's Human Rights class and thoroughly enjoyed her teaching style and passion for the subject. In addition, I'll be traveling to Israel this summer on birthright and want to gain a background/understanding about the rich history and culture that has taken place in Jerusalem. I look forward to working with each and every one of you at some-point throughout the semester and getting to know all of you better.