Our Journey to Jerusalem, Part III

Over the past weeks, I read a few books and watched a few movies from my list. The other day Alison and I were talking about this journey to Jerusalem. I was telling her about some of the things I have been learning. I really like reading these books and watching these movies because they provide a depth of knowledge that I am certain will be valuable when Alison and I travel throughout the Holy Land. It gives me context for our trip. I am recording what I learn so that I can retain it better and so that before the trip I can look back and recall what I have learned. 

Books:

The Haj by Leon Uris

Synopsis: The Haj is a fictional novel about an Arab family living in Palestine during the 1920s-1950s. The story is narrated by the youngest son of the family, Ishmael. The focus of the novel is Ishmael's father, Ibrahim al Soukori al Wahhabi. Ibrahim is the mukhtar of Tabah, a fictional isolated village in the Ajalon Valley on the road between Jaffa and Jerusalem. Ibrahim is the namesake of the novel and is often called Hajji Ibrahim because he successfully completed the pilgrimage to Mecca (Haj) while he was a young adult.

The story begins when Ibrahim takes over the position of a mukhtar (leader of his village) from his father. Ibrahim was not the eldest son, yet he took over the position through his cunning. The story shifts to the establishment of a kibbutz on land nearby Tabah. At first, the Arabs of Tabah plan to destroy the Shemesh kibbutz but fail in their attempts. Eventually, Ibrahim learns Shemesh kibbutz controls the flow of water to Tabah and peace ensues. During the following years, Ibrahim develops a personal friendship with the leader of the Shemesh kibbutz, Gideon Asch. This friendship is starkly contrasted with the rising tension in the 1930s and 1940s between the Arabs and Jews.

When the UN passes a resolution to partition Palestine, Ibrahim is invited to Damascus to meet with Effendi Fawzi Kabir, Abd al-Qadir al-Husayni, and General Fawzi Al-Qawaqii. They encourage Ibrahim to evacuate Tabah to make way for Arab military forces to wage war in Palestine. Haj Ibrahim reluctantly agrees. Though upon return to his village he decides against evacuation. However, after the Battle of Deir Yassin, the villagers of Taba go into mass hysteria. Ibrahim realizes he can no longer keep his people from abandoning their town and opts to lead them to Jaffa.

In Jaffa, Ibrahim plans to take his people by boat to the Gaza strip. Ibrahim's people lack resources and Ibrahim is barely able to charter a boat. Ibrahim and his family are unable to meet his village on the boat as Ibrahim is being pursued by Fawzi Al-Qawaqii's men, who are seeking revenge for a time Ibrahim successfully defended his village against their forces. Ibrahim and his family can escape Jaffa with the help of Gideon Asch.

The family ends up in a refugee camp at Nablus. Here the city's mayor tries to get Ibrahim to support Jordan's attempt to coerce refugees to move to Jordan so they may annex portions of Palestine. Ibrahim refused to support these political aims and escapes Nablus with his family to a cave in the desert around Qumran by the Dead Sea. They spend time here gaining strength as a family until the sand storms become so bad they can't take desert life any longer. They leave the cave and head to Jericho, where they settle in the refugee camp at Aqabat Jaber. During his time here, Ibrahim becomes involved as a moderate representative of the refugees. He wants to negotiate with the new state of Israel for the return of refugees to their homes. He is thwarted by other Arab factions (most of which are outside of Palestine). He travels, along with other key Arab moderates, to represent the refugees at an international commission in Zurich. His credentials, and those of the other moderates, are challenged by the Arabs. After months of talk, with no probable solutions seeming imminent, Ibrahim becomes disillusioned by the lack of progress. He gains revenge against Kabir (who betrayed him as he fled Tabah) through a ritualistic murder before returning to Aqabat Jaber.

In Aqabat Jaber he lives a much quieter life. Until his relationship with his youngest daughter, Nada takes a turn for the worse. She dishonors him by cursing him and revealing she is no longer a virgin. He takes this as the greatest insult possible to his honor and murders Nada. Ishmael is thrown into a rage when he hears of his father's act and talks his father to death by revealing a terrible family secret to his father. Afterward, Ishmael becomes obsessed with Nada. The story ends with Ishmael going insane.

My thoughts:
1. This was my least favorite of the books I have read to prepare to go to Israel. I didn't particularly like the style or the story. As with most of the books I read, I actually listened to this book on audible. The narration was disappointing. I particularly thought the accent for Ishmael, the main narrator, was somewhat offensive. Maybe it is accurate, but the way the accent was performed seemed to mock the main character. I wouldn't recommend this book.

2. This book was written by Leon Uris, the author of Exodus. Just as with Exodus this book has a very simplistic view of Jews, Arabs, and the British. For the most part, Jews are good, Arabs are bad, and the British are cruel. While critics of this book say he did a better job of representing the Arab viewpoint his characterization of the Palestinian Arab contains clear bias. I think this is particularly evident when he describes the driving force of Arab life as hate. He has Ishmael say, "...before I was nine I had learned the basic canon of Arab life. It was me against my brother; me and my brother against our father; my family against my cousins and the clan; the clan against the tribe; and the tribe against the world. And all of us against the infidel." While this idea plays into the Jewish narrative around the Arab-Israeli conflict it stands in stark contrast to the first-person accounts I have heard of Palestinian Arab attitudes. The book also portrays Palestinian Arabs as whiny about how their nation was stolen by the Jewish people. Their leaders are portrayed as seeking to incite the Arab people full of rage against the Jews. I have heard these characterizations are more accurate, particularly since it wasn't until Yasar Arafat that an Arab leader sought to negotiate rather than incite rage.

2. This story delves into Arab life, culture, and traditions in Palestine in the mid to late 1900s. Many elements of their culture are foreign to me. Many characteristics focused on in the story are not particularly flattering. Again, I think that has more to do with Uris' bias than reality. There is a lot of focus on the importance of role and authority. According to the book respect for authority and elders is nearly automatic in Arab culture. The book also focuses on the inability of the Arabs to properly assess their strength and accept defeat. Often even when they were losing battles they would boast about how they were truly winning. History has to some extent demonstrated this to be true. The Arab people greatly underestimated the strength of the Jewish people and it cost them dearly. The book also portrays the role of women as subordinate and having a very defined role. Ibrahim rules his family in a very traditional way. The role of his wife is to cook, clean, and care for the family. Ibrahim arranges the marriages of his daughters, with little or no input. While this characterization of women's role in Palestinian Arab society may be true of a small minority of orthodox Palestinian Arabs, based on my discussions with Alison, this portrayal is not true of the majority of Palestinian Arabs. In most respects, the Palestinian Arabs are friendly people living pretty normal lives.

3. A good portion of this story focuses on the plight of Palestinian refugees. While other stories I have read have focused on why the Jewish people deserve a homeland, or how the Jewish state was created, this story focused on the displacement of Palestinian Arabs from their homes. It tells the story of the creation of the Jewish state from the Arab viewpoint. It also shows that while the Jews paid a dear price for their homeland, the price paid by Palestinian Arabs was even greater. They lost their homes, and in too many cases their lives. The Arab-Israeli conflict is so complicated because both sides want a place to call home. Both the Palestinian Arabs and Jews have experienced tragic events in their recent histories. The more I learn about the conflict the more I understand there is no easy answer.

Killing Jesus by Bill O'Reilly

Synopsis: In Killing Jesus, Bill O'Reilly, tackles the historical and political events surrounding the death of Jesus Christ. The book combines details from the gospels and historical records to create a compelling narrative. Interspersed in the retelling of the life of Jesus are stories of Herod the Great, Herod Antipas, Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Caesar Augustus, Tiberius, and Pontius Pilate. The story of these individuals is integral to the story of Jesus Christ.

The novel is heavy on history and politics. It discusses Roman history including the rise and assassination of Julius Caesar. It also explains Roman Leadership in Palestine and the impact of Roman rule, particularly the taxes Jews were required to pay. Jewish hierarchy is detailed, as well as, the Jewish culture during the time of Jesus.

The period of time from Jesus' arrest in the garden of Gethsemane to his death on the cross is the climax of the story. These events are explained step by step in painful detail. From his trials to his crucifixion each moment is described. The story ends with Christ's death. There is an epilogue detailing the actions and eventual deaths of the apostles.

My thoughts:
1. This is the third Bill O'Reilly Killing book I have read. The first two were Killing Lincoln and Killing Kennedy. These books are great. Usually fairly sad, as they are about the death of the principal figure whose life is being discussed. I have been impressed by the amount of research that goes into these books. The level of detail is fantastic. I highly recommend this series.

2. I am very familiar with the story of the birth, life, and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. I have grown up studying scriptural accounts. This story is very different because it marries the events described in the scriptures with details from historical and political texts. This telling provides new insights. I learned new facts about Jewish culture and politics around the time of Christ. I also thought this book gives a good feel for the timeline of Jesus' life. The events of the gospels jump around so much that they can be difficult to follow. This book is basically a count down to Jesus' death upon the cross.

3. The Romans were pretty terrible. The brutality and sexual depravity that marked the leadership of the emperors around the time of Christ is disturbing. Particularly Tiberius, his perversions were awful. It is crazy that he was the ruler of such a prominent empire and such an important figure during the life of Christ. The description of the group that ultimately was asked to torture and crucify Christ was shocking. They were a brutal group of soldiers who specialized in executing the condemned using some of the most painful methods they could devise. 

“Such is life in the Roman Empire, which has begun its slow decline into ruin. There is little justice or nobility among” - Bill O'Reilly 

4. I have a testimony that Jesus Christ is the savior of the world. While I believe Christ had a much more significant role, he also altered the course of the history of the Jewish people, the Roman empire, and Palestine. I thought this was an interesting context. This book talks about how unlikely it is for an individual born in a far corner of the Roman empire, with no network, or status in place to have such a lasting influence. While I believe his influence was magnified by divine providence, it is awe-inspiring to consider how Jesus Christ became arguably the most influential individual in the history of mankind.

“To understand what Jesus accomplished and how he paid with his life, we have to understand what was happening around him. His was a time when Rome dominated the Western world and brooked no dissent. Human life was worth little. Life expectancy was less than forty years and far less if you happened to anger the Roman powers that were. An excellent description of the time was written—perhaps with some bombast—by journalist Vermont Royster in 1949: There was oppression—for those who were not the friends of Tiberius Caesar … what was the man for but to serve Caesar? There was the persecution of men who dared think differently, who heard strange voices or read strange manuscripts. There was the enslavement of men whose tribes came not from Rome, disdain for those who did not have the familiar visage. And most of all, there was contempt for human life. What, to the strong, was one man more or less in a crowded world? Then, of a sudden, there was a light in the world, and a man from Galilee saying, Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s. And the voice from Galilee, which would defy Caesar, offered a new kingdom in which each man could walk upright and bow to none but his God … so the light came into the world and the men who lived in darkness were afraid, and they tried to lower a curtain so that man would still believe that salvation lay with the leaders. But it came to pass for a while in diverse places that the truth did set men free, although the men of darkness were offended and they tried to put out the light.” - Bill O'Reilly 

5. Most of the books I have read have focused on the Jewish state or Palestinian Arabs. Obviously, this book talks about the Jewish people, but the main focus is on the life of Christ. One of our main purposes for visiting Jerusalem is to learn about the life of Christ. We want to see the areas where he lived and walked. While learning about Jewish history has been fun and interesting it was a nice change of pace to read a book that ties in more closely to the primary purpose of our visit.

Movies:

Fiddler on the Roof

Synopsis: Fiddler on the Roof is a musical telling the story of Tevye and his family of five daughters. The story focuses on Tevye's attempts to maintain Jewish tradition despite outside pressures on his family to change. One by one, his three oldest daughters choose to marry for love, much to his initial shock and dismay. Each daughter's marriage moves further away from the traditions of the Jewish faith. Each marriage causes him to reevaluate his life and beliefs. While he can cope with his two older daughters' marriage decisions, he is unable to accept his third daughter's decision to marry outside of the Jewish faith.

As his daughters marry, trouble is brewing in Anatevka. Word reaches the town that the Czar has been evicting Jews throughout the Pale of Settlement in Imperial Russia. Revolution is also underway as a University student, Perchik passes through Anatevka. He brings new ideas and wants the people to rise up against the Russians. This ends up landing Perchik and one of Tevye's daughters, Hodol, in Siberia. The Russians also disrupt the wedding of Tzeitel and Motel in a minor pogrom, where they burn and loot the Jewish portion of the village. The story ends when the Jews are evicted from Anatevka. Tevye packs up his family and immigrates to America.

My thoughts:
1. I have watched Fiddler on the Roof many times while I was growing up. I have always enjoyed the show. This time the things that I noticed were different. I have a better understanding of Jewish traditions and the political climate toward Jews in Russia in the early 1900s. This made the show much more intriguing.

2. The theme of tradition ties this story together. Tradition is so significant in Jewish life, from the way they worship on the Sabbath to the way they dress and even the way they marry. This story does a great job of illustrating some of the more significant Jewish traditions. It shows the tradition of preparing for and participating in Sabbath worship. We are also shown a Jewish wedding, which is full of tradition. I learned the other day that when Motel breaks the glass, as part of the ceremony, it is a symbolic reminder of the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and is meant to remind the bride and groom that life brings both sorrow and joy.

3. While we were watching the scene where they show Tevye's family's sabbath worship Alison and I discussed the role of women in the Jewish faith. Alison expressed appreciation for the active role Jewish women play in their faith. This was one of the things that she really enjoyed learning about in In many ways they lead their family in concert with the men of the household. In fact, Jewishness is passed down through the mother. During her time in Israel Alison observed that Jewish women were active participants in their faith.

4. At a crucial point in the story, Tevye is talking to his friend the Russian Constable when the Constable warns Tevye that a minor pogrom will occur in the town. I was not aware of what a pogrom was before I studied Jewish history. Pogrom is a Russian word meaning “to wreak havoc, to demolish violently." It often refers to violent attacks on Jewish populations throughout Russia and other portions of Europe. As I have studied Jewish history I have become aware that the Jewish people were persecuted and killed throughout Europe for centuries. The holocaust was the continuation of centuries of evil acts. This story hints at the evil that was perpetrated upon the Jews. In fact, one of the major criticisms of the play is that it tones down the original story. Aleichem's stories, Tevye and His Daughters ended with Tevye alone, his wife dead and his daughters scattered. Unlike the slightly happier ending of the play where Tevye and most of his family are leaving for America. I guess Tevye puts it best when he discusses the trials of the Jewish people: "I know, I know. We are Your chosen people. But, once in a while, can't You choose someone else?"

5.  Of all the books I have read and movies I have watched this one has the least connection to Jerusalem and Israel. One mention comes near the end of the film when Yente, the matchmaker, tells Tevye's family she is immigrating to Palestine. As I considered the connection one quote from Tevye comes to mind: "A fiddler on the roof. Sounds crazy, no? But here, in our little village of Anatevka, you might say every one of us is a fiddler on the roof trying to scratch out a pleasant, simple tune without breaking his neck. It isn't easy. You may ask 'Why do we stay up there if it's so dangerous?' Well, we stay because Anatevka is our home. And how do we keep our balance? That I can tell you in one word: tradition!" I think this sums up the Jewish plight. They simply wanted a place they could call home and where they could practice their traditions unmolested. That simple desire is at the very essence of this story.

The Kingdom of Heaven

Synopsis: The Kingdom of Heaven is an epic historical tale directed by Ridley Scott. It stars Orlando Bloom, Eva Green, Jeremy Irons, Liam Neeson, Edward Norton, and Michael Sheen, among others. It is set in during the 12th-century Crusades. The film is a fictionalized tale of Balian of Ibelin.

The story begins when Godfrey the Baron of Ibelin, played by Liam Neeson, travels to France to find his son, Balian. He convinces Balian to return with him to Jerusalem. Balian agrees to the journey to seek forgiveness for his wife (who committed suicide) and for himself (he killed a priest who beheaded his wife's dead body).

Shortly after they begin their journey Godfrey and Balian are intercepted by men sent by the Bishop to arrest Balian. When Godfrey refuses to turn Balian over fighting ensues. Godfrey is injured in the battle. He dies shortly after they reach the Holy Land, but not before he knights Balian and orders him to serve the King and protect the people of Jerusalem.

During his journey to Jerusalem Balian runs into an Arab Cavalier and his servant. Reluctantly, Balian kills the cavalier but spares the servant. The servant promises Balian that his mercy will not go unrewarded.

Balian becomes acquainted with Jerusalem's political arena: the leper King Baldwin IV; Tiberias, the Marshal of Jerusalem; the King's sister, Princess Sibylla; and her husband Guy de Lusignan, who supports the anti-Muslim activities of brutal factions like the Knights Templar. After Baldwin's death, Guy intends to break the fragile truce with the sultan Saladin and make war on the Muslims.

Guy and his ally Raynald of Châtillon attack a caravan in an attempt to provoke war. In retaliation, Saladin advances upon Raynald's castle. Balian and his knights defend the villagers despite being heavily outnumbered. They are captured, but Balian meets the leader of the Saladin's troops, Imad ad-Din. Imad ad-Din is the servant Balian spared. In return for his mercy, Imad ad-Din spares Balian's life. Saladin and his army arrive to place Raynald's castle under siege. The King, Baldwin, arrives and brokers a peace with Saladin. Baldwin promises to punish Raynald.

Baldwin is weakened from the struggle and eventually dies. Shortly before his death, Baldwin asks Balian to marry his sister, Sibylla, however, this would require the execution of her husband, Guy. Balian refuses out of a sense of honor. When Baldwin dies Sibylla becomes Queen and by extension Guy becomes King. Guy promptly releases Raynald and asks him to bring war. Raynald does so by murdering Saladin's sister. When Saladin sends messengers to demand justice, Guy returns the messengers' heads to Saladin.

Saladin masses his forces and advances on Jerusalem. Guy and the knights of Templar leave Jerusalem to battle in the desert, despite Balian's warnings not to leave the water and fortifications of Jerusalem. Saladin massacres their forces in the desert. Many of the men leave Jerusalem believing it to be lost. Balian remains to protect the city and knights the remaining men of Jerusalem. They put up a spirited defense of the city. However, Saladin's men breach the walls. By sheer volume and ferocity, Balian and his forces prevent the Saracens from entering the city. Saladin calls for a meeting with Balian. Balian informs Saladin that his forces will burn the city to the ground and kill 10 Saracens for every crusader's death. Saladin agrees to let the people go free if they will peacefully surrender the city of Jerusalem. Balian accepts as his main concern is the safety of the people in Jerusalem.

Balian returns to France with Sibylla, who has disavowed being Queen. A group of crusaders passes through their town asking for Balian the defender of Jerusalem. Balian responds that he is simply a blacksmith. The story ends with this thought: "nearly a thousand years later, peace in the Holy Land still remains elusive."

My thoughts:
1. The crusades are such an interesting historical event. I love learning about them. Probably because I have always had an interest in knights and battle. I have watched this movie before, but it was a long time ago and it was very late at night. I wanted to rewatch this one, especially after reading The Source. I have better context for the history of the Holy Land now, which made the movie more meaningful.

2. As I was watching, I wondered if the story is historically accurate. I did some research and was surprised by the results. While there are many inaccuracies, the broad strokes of the story are in fact accurate. There was a crusader named Balian. He did feature prominently in battles between the crusaders and Saladin, and he did negotiate passage out of a besieged Jerusalem for the inhabitants. Now the passage came from a ransom paid for each individual. Those who were unable to pay the ransom were enslaved by Saladin. It turns out Balian was also not the good, ethical individual the movie makes him out to be. By all accounts, he was ruthless, cruel, and selfish.

3. I find it fascinating that most of the issues with the crusades were caused because European knights couldn't get out of their own way. This is clearly depicted in the movie. There were periods of peace, which were often disrupted when overzealous knights went about killing "infidels". Men who wanted to kill flooded the Holy Land, rather than men who wanted to build. They had too many knights and too few citizens. The book The Source also points out that crusaders massacred Jews and Arabs, rather than making them allies (note: they were really fighting the Saracens for control of the Holy Land). If they would have made alliances they may have been able to hold Jerusalem for a longer period of time.

The Passion of the Christ

Synopsis: The Passion of the Christ is a biblical epic directed by Mel Gibson. The primary storyline focuses on the final 12 hours of Jesus' life. The film begins with his agony in Gethsemane, followed up by his arrest and trial by the Sanhedrin. Interspersed among the humiliation and agony are brief flashbacks into the ministry of Christ. Depicted are moments such as Jesus washing the disciple's feet, asking those who are without sin to cast the first stone, the Sermon on the Mount, the Last Supper, and scenes depicting his bond with his mother, Mary.

The story of Christ's trials, scourging, and crucifixion is a reenactment of the events described in the gospels. The movie ends with the rolling back of a stone and a shot of the resurrected Christ emerging from the tomb.

My thoughts:
1. I have wanted to watch this movie for a while, but Alison didn't really want to watch it, which is totally fine. She was out of town for work this week, which gave me a good opportunity. One thing that is really interesting about this movie is that the dialogue is entirely in reconstructed Aramaic, vernacular Hebrew, and Latin. This meant I had to read captions, but I really thought it was cool that the movie was in foreign languages. It gave the show a more authentic experience. It was almost like looking back in time to see the events unfolding.

2. The movie is brutal. It does not hold anything back. The scourging scene is the worst. The Roman soldiers who scourged Christ were really bad. They seem to enjoy the pain Christ experiences. The level of pain inflicted just by the scourging is unreal. It literally tears the flesh from his bones. There are moments when you can see his ribs through the tears in his flesh. Blood splatters everywhere. It is honestly hard to watch. The unbelievable level of pain continues as first he bears the cross (with the help of Simon) and then as he is crucified. This movie shows just how brutal the punishment Christ endured would have been.

3. I am really glad this movie ended with the resurrection even it if is just for a moment. This movie was difficult to watch. The pain and agony that Jesus endured are unbelievable. The message of the gospel is that because of the pain and suffering Christ endured he provided hope for all of us. He experienced the pain so that he can comfort us. The message of the resurrection is a message of hope. Christ paid the price for sin and if we are willing to come unto him, repent, and endure to the end he has provided salvation from sin.