Hebron’s Tomb of Abraham — Tensely Shared between Jews and Muslims
Hebron is the West Bank’s biggest city, and is also home to one of the holiest sites in the Holy Land: The Tomb of Abraham, who is a revered figure among Jews, Muslims, and Christians. According to scripture, Abraham had one son by his wife, Sarah (Isaac, the ancestor of the Jews), and another son by their Egyptian servant, Hagar (Ishmael, from whom the Muslims are descended). So both Jews and Muslims come to the Tomb of Abraham seeking their spiritual roots. While this confluence could have been an opportunity for unity and cooperation, instead it has turned the tomb into a divisive place. The tension in Hebron — and especially at the tomb itself — is palpable.
I’ll continue this Holy Land series until November 21st. Then, to celebrate my homecoming, I’ll give a live, free slideshow lecture on Thursday, November 21st at 7 p.m. P.S.T. in Edmonds, Washington. You can attend in person (registration required)…or watch the live webcast from anywhere in the world (no registration required). Learn more at Rick Steves – Holy Land – Israel and Palestine Today.
Comments
2 Replies to “Hebron’s Tomb of Abraham — Tensely Shared between Jews and Muslims”
Rick,
Sounds like you are picking up the same palpable tension I found when I visited Hebron.
When I lived and worked in Gaza I found the same palpable tension ten fold which only emphasizes the great need for peace for both sides.
John Raasoch, MD
Very interesting about Abraham’s tomb. The people would need to come up with some civilized way to share the site. The tension it stirs must be thick. Just wondering what camel tastes like. That’s new!
Rick,
Sounds like you are picking up the same palpable tension I found when I visited Hebron.
When I lived and worked in Gaza I found the same palpable tension ten fold which only emphasizes the great need for peace for both sides.
John Raasoch, MD
Very interesting about Abraham’s tomb. The people would need to come up with some civilized way to share the site. The tension it stirs must be thick. Just wondering what camel tastes like. That’s new!