Photographs I found of a Protest Last Summer

Ultra-Orthodox Jews take part in a protest in Jerusalem June 6, 2009. Israeli police fired water cannons at hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Jews who threw stones in protest on Saturday against the opening of a public parking lot they see as a violation of religious law. REUTERS/Darren Whiteside (JERUSALEM RELIGION CONFLICT IMAGES OF THE DAY)

An Israeli policeman runs after an ultra Orthodox Jew during a demonstration in the conservative Jerusalem district of Mea Sharim on June 6, 2009. Thousands of Orthodox Jews clashed with Israeli police in Jerusalem in protest over the inauguration of a municipal parking lot, the Jewish sabbath. TOPSHOTS/AFP PHOTO/AHMAD GHARABLI (Photo credit should read AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP/Getty Images)

jihad

Who knows about the word jihad?
Does this word make you sad?
Do you really know why is it used?
Or do you think you could simply be confused?
Its primary meaning is struggle
a few different words to juggle.
To make ones life a purposeful striving to implement God's will,
Jihad is meant to fulfill.

Jihad had retired in the Near East,
Until the Crusaders it was released.
Nur ad-Din waged a holy war,
for Jerusalem, they did adore.
The Crusaders justified their cause
to fight oppression they would applause.
The second Crusade did fail,
Frankish Jerusalem became very frail.
The Franks turned on one another,
in this time when they needed a brother.

The Franks were near a civil war,
the threat of a Muslim take-over they did ignore.
Elected a newcomer, King Guy
sensible advice he would defy.
The battle of Hittin was an exhaust,
The Christian Kingdom of Jerusalem was lost.

Unlike the Crusaders and their mass slaughter
Saladin's heart was much softer.
Not a single Christian was slain,
and those who would remain?
They would become prisoners or war,
but with money they would be no more.

Saladin had said," Christians everywhere will remember the kindness we have done."
If only he had known what he had begun.

Crusade

It all started in 1095
Christianity in Jerusalem is what they wanted to revive.
Pope Urban 11,
that he did beckon
All to the crusade
No matter what your trade.
Liberate the tomb of Christ from Islam!
Stand up and make arm!
It took the crusaders three long years to reach the Holy Land,
And this you must understand.
The journey was not easy
the stories could make you a bit queasy
It is even said to have made anti-Semitism incurable
The Crusaders did seem durable.
Once they broke through the walls in 1099
Avenging their divine.
three days spent to slaughter,
It didn't matter if you were someones daughter.
Thirty thousand people were killed in all,
once were protected by a wall.
Massacre was a sign of triumph for Christianity
But, what about humanity?

Conversation with Kasa Bayisin and Group Discussion

“To have one shoe in Ethiopia is a good day.”

I am completely taken back by meeting Kasa today. I completely understand Dr. H and her passion for ethnographic research now. Knowing something, and actually experiencing something are vastly different. Last night, I read about Jewish Ethiopians. I wanted to be prepared for this morning. I knew most of the history she talked about, but I am still in awe. I have never met anyone in my life who would say to have one shoe is a good day. This morning inspired me. I want to meet more people like Kasa, and really soak in all walks of life. Her story is absolutely amazing, and I am so excited for her! I cant imagine going from not knowing what electricity is to teaching Hebrew in Ohio! Globalization is insane! I would like to stay in contact with Kasa. Dr. H?

So I was pretty quiet during group discussion today. I feel like what everyone was saying, I went through 2 years ago. I also grew up in a christian family, in fact, my dad had his own church for part of my childhood. I question everything that is told to me, so religion was not any different. I have read a few books, and made a few arguments with relatives, but I didn't delve too deep into the "truth" because I was a bit nervous my family could be wrong with their beliefs. Two years ago, I took a comparative religions course, and furthered my religious knowledge even more. I was completely shocked by archaeological history verses written history. I encourage everyone who mentioned it today to read the Bible, and other Holy Scriptures from all three monotheistic religions when they have time. Who knew history would be so interesting? I will attempt to converse more next discussion, I am not shy if that's what you guys think! haha!

Photographs

A friend of mine who has been living in Jerusalem for a couple years suggested a photo journalist to me recently, Bernat Armangue.

I found this link when I ran a search for her: http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/tag/bernat-armangue/

I loved looking through the pictures, so I thought I would share...

Thanks Nathan!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8610595.stm

Reading Responses Thus Far...

I have not had the chance to explain my reactions to any of the readings yet. I have really enjoyed the articles, and feel like together, they were a fabulous overview of Jerusalem, and the conflict. Not bias whatsoever, and entertaining enough to keep me reading. I really enjoyed the timeline provided in Jerusalem: Then and Now by Mick Dumper, I referred to it while reading all the articles, and will continue to use it throughout the quarter. I really like reading articles written by both "sides" one after another... and not knowing exactly who the author is while reading. This is helping me to truly understand the conflict without a bias. The video we watched was nice. I always enjoy films, and the different perspective you gain from them. I hope to take a camcorder to Jerusalem when we go.

I have not received a hard copy of Karen Armstrong's book yet, but I do have the audio version. Listening to her voice can be rough at times, haha, but it is nice being able to sit back and create a picture. I have heard most of what she has talked about already from various sources while growing up, but it is nice to get a recap. She does cover each story with much more detail than I knew, and being older I can create my own ideas along the way.

When Are We Truly Ourselves?

When am I truly myself?
well lets start with my book shelf.
I love to read,
especially when I am looking for a good lead.
I write all the time,
I really love to rhyme.
I write poems all day,
especially in May.
Flowers inspire me,
my middle name is Marie.
But that really doesn't matter,
sometimes my thoughts are quite a scatter.
I decided to write a rhyme,
even though it takes more time.
I think a poem better explains me,
and that I can guarantee.
I really dig yoga and meditation,
Helps me to sort out my frustration.
I paint and draw,
one of my favorite pastries is a bear claw.
I keep a journal next to my bed,
I really like the taste of cinnamon rasin bread.
Especially when topped with almond butter...
Sometimes I have a bit of a stutter,
I try to work through it,
relying on my wit.
Lets see, what else is me...
I have a dog who is quite the side kick,
my face, she likes to lick.
Always has my back,
except my poor flowers she likes to attack.
I love to create,
my favorite number is eight.
My birthday is in August,
celebration is a must.
My friend Sarah always makes the party exist,
I try to assist.
I don't have much of a sweet tooth,
I prefer sitting in a booth.
I am a bartender by night,
sometimes it can be quite a delight.
A great place to get material,
I always carry anti-bacterial.
Lip balm is always in my pocket,
I wish i could run as fast as a rocket.
I don't really think I belong in here,
I want to travel this sphere...