Tohir Solomons

Why is UNESCO so quiet on Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa?

Posted on the May 18th, 2005 under Uncategorized by Tohir

Zionist attempts to destroy Masjidul Aqsa or at least lay the foundation for their temple are a test on how Muslims and the world would respond to this desecration of this holy and heritage land. 2005, it is said, is crucial to the Zionists to meet their deadline, hence recent attempts.

For the two attempts made thus far, Palestinians have physically rose to the challenge. Here in South Africa, the awakening is also happening. There have been more Palestinian and Masjidul Aqsa interest and awareness now than ever before.

On Wednesday 25th May, here’ll be a march to parliament and SAJBOD (South African Jewish Board of Deputies), here in Cape Town, organised by the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC).

The Old City of Jerusalem, like Robben Island, is a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO, and it is also there responsibility to preserve it – http://whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?cid=31&id_site=148

UNESCO needed an extraordinary session to discuss this entry. The proposal to put Jerusalem on the list was made by Jordan (Israel was no member at the time), and the accompanying letter claimed that Jordan is not using this Committee or your deliberations as a vehicle for political claims. Jordan wanted Jerusalem on the list for the value that Jerusalem represents for the three religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Old quarters and city walls is a general description for 226 monuments from all 3 major religions. Most important monument for the Jews is the Western Wall, for the Christians it is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and for the Muslims the (Masjidul Aqsa and) Dome of the Rock.

In 1982, the site was put on the List of World Heritages in Danger. Besides political and religious violence, the site is also threatened by the rapid urbanization of its surroundings and the daily visits of masses of tourists.

http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/jerusalem.html

Muslims will preserve the masjids out of religious duty, but questions need to be asked to UNESCO and governments about their responsibility.

• What is UNESCO’s position on the Zionist attempts to destroy the Old City of Jerusalem?
• What actions has UNESCO taken, and prepared to take, to prevent desceration to these places?
• Why has UNESCO not taken action to prevent tunnelling under Masjidul Aqsa, even though the Old City of Jersualem is on the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger, not just the list of World Heritage Sites?
• What steps is the South African government taking as a member of UNESCO to highlight this issue?